Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is one of the safest things you can use on creatures with carapaces (beetles, fleas, etc). DE is a naturally occurring chalklike rock, consisting of fossilized diatoms. It is usually composed of 86% silica, 5% sodium, 3% magnesium and 2% iron. No part of it is toxic, and it even has low levels of beneficial trace minerals. Farmers feed it to their livestock, as they say it cuts down on the worm load and reduces flies/maggots. Some people eat it, too, for the same reasons. The only negative aspects of it: 1) It isn't good for your lungs if you whip it into a cloud of dust, then stick your head into it and inhale deeply, since most stuff that goes into your lungs will stay in your lungs. The DE from saltwater diatoms is apparently more dangerous than DE from freshwater sources (the container often tells which it is). 2) It only works on insects when it is dry. One of the best things about it is, since it is not the chemical action of it that kills the bugs, but the PHYSICAL action, bugs can't build up a tolerance to it like they can chemicals. Seen under a microscope, DE looks like very sharp shards of broken glass. These shards work under the carapace of beetle-type insects and dehydrates them. It doesn't harm bees or earthworms. Your pets and small children can eat it. But it kills things like fleas and cockroaches. TIP: Always buy the kind that says CODEX FOOD GRADE on the label. Some kinds have undesirable chemicals added when used for other purposes. The stuff is usually very cheap, esp if you buy it at the local farm store in a large bag. Call around first, only one place near me carries it. p.s. on the pillbugs: they really don't chew on plants directly. When you see them nibbling on the edge of a chewed area, some other creature usually did the big damage, and the pillbugs are 'tidying up' the decomposing raw edges of the wound. They often take the blame for damage done by earwigs and other creatures of the dark. Sue

@madeyna: This year was about Hydrangea's too for me. LOL I brought 3 new one's home, Angels Smile, a varigated leaf one and Shamrock. I'm looking at "Lady in Red" as I fell in love with the red stems. Can you imagine a 5000 sq foot lot? That's what I have with the house on it and a 100 foot double wide driveway. Doesn't leave lots of room for plants so everything (mostly daylilies and iris) is planted very close. There are various other perennials here and there in between. oh, three acres, the things I could do with that!!!! @ ALL Does anyone grow RELIABLE reblooming iris? we have had rain for may, june and just set a record for the wettest july since like 1956. I don't think I have any rebloomers but what are the chances of rebloom in zone6 anyway???

Mine just came in. I tried it on and don't want to take it off. Size wise, I'm 5'2" and usually an 8P. I was a bit reluctant ordering Petite because while the sleeves looked long in the pic I wanted the length to cover my backside if I was wearing leggings around the house. Happy to report the length is fine. I still have to roll back the sleeves and the P Small size is very generous. It's not sloppy, but very roomy below the arms and throughout the back. It's perfect for lounging but I prefer my street clothes not tight, but more fitted, so I won't be wearing it out in the world. Great cozy find. Thanks for posting about it!

If nobody responds ask over in the laundry room. They know their stuff. Besides shaving it off, pilling can be plucked off piece by piece. Sometimes I've found that pilling stops eventually, and wears off as you use and wash. But...sheets...idk.