Took a REALLY good look at the white "lint" on the stems of the hostas out front this morning -- and found the "bug" (finally!) -- looks like it's mealy bugs.

Unfortunately, I don't have an outdoor hose (well, I do, but the faucet has been shut off for years because of leaks) so I guess I'll have to try to remove the lint et al manually (wipe off into a bucket?). Then get some insecticidal soap.

AND will consult tonight at The Press Room with Alan Eaton (actually that's DR. Eaton...) who is an entomologist with the state. (And with another horticultural friend of mine who is familiar with my garden.)

No matter what type of expert advice or obscure information you might need, there is SOMEONE at The Press Room who is knowledgeable or an expert in that field. My area of expertise is gravestones and American funerary art, Tom's is English language traditional folk music, early edged weapons and European history. Amazing place, really.

Linn