Most perennials are fully herbaceous, meaning they will die back to the ground in winter but return again in spring, grow and eventually flower. Planting in fall, especially in a mild winter climate, is fine but do not expect to see growth until next season. I would not be overly worried about slugs now, since the foliage will be disappearing or at least dying back shortly. But you will want to bait for slugs in early spring, as they can do significant damage to smaller plants that could affect how well they establish and grow. In my garden, hostas are at the top of their list but they can consume a great many others as well.

If you care to share what you planted, we should be able to advise on what you can expect from them going forward.

Thank you!

It was agastache Golden Jubilee that got completely eaten by something- probably slugs.

And yesterday I was so mad at myself, When I was using the hose, the hose broke off the stem of a small gaura plant so there is nothing left of it above ground.

Some of the other plants I planted were, lavendar, sedum, kangaroo paws, echinacea, purple heart, bee balm

Be sure you place your plants according to watering needs. The agastache, purple heart and bee balm will need frequent summer watering.......the coneflower, sedum and kangaroo paws (also gaura if it reappears) much less. The lavender not much at all - just enough to keep alive.

Also the lavender and most selections of kangaroo paws will be evergreen. but again, are unlikely to show any growth now until spring.

Thank you for the encouragement and advice!

Sleep, creep, leap. Your perennials will be fabulous in year 3. Many will be fine next spring/summer. More will be good in year 2. By year 3, wow. Look out.