[runnerbean]

Thanks Moyra, in the cold light of day, it wasn't as bad as I feared, I managed to take some cuttings, of some of them and I saved about 7 out of 12, but if the cuttings take, I should be alright for next year, some of them are nearly ten years old, and I have collected them from all over the country, especially when I go on holiday, then every Spring I remove about 3 inches of old compost fill up with new, feed and give them lots of TLC, and they reward me all summer long, but not to worry, I will carry on regardless, there are worse things to contend with. Have you tried copper wire around pots etc., it is very good at keeping the slimeys at bay, and only sprinkle a few slug pellets around as some people scatter loads, and all it does is attract every slug and snail for miles around. Happy Gradening!