About John Raby Expertise I can answer many plant identification question base on a few simple questions and good photos. Over the years I have collected a large amount of plant references books. This has been my hobby since childhood.
Experience You could call me a professional greenhouse grower. I have worked in this area for over 30 years. My jobs have been in Texas, Florida, and Michigan. I have studied native plants in these area also. Some would call me a plants man . I have a good working knowledge of plant materials. My current career has me managing 24 acres of greenhouse.
Education/Credentials I hold diplomas from three school in Texas and Michigan. My work demands regular CEU credits in Greenhouse Pesticide Applications.
Expert: John Raby Date: 2/28/2008 Subject: mystery bulbs
Question Hi. I'm hoping that you can help solve my garden mystery. In the Spring of '06 I dug and relocated several large clumps of bulbs. The clumps were growing in an area that had been an overgrown meadow for years, but had been recently cleared and seeded with grass. I assume that they are some kind of natives (NC Piedmont) because the area hadn't been used for over 100 years. The bulbs are small, like Muscari, and the foliage is also similar to Muscari in height, width, and succulent-like texture. The "leaves" are more upright than the Muscari that I have. The ID problem is that the bulbs haven't bloomed yet. I fed them last year when they first emerged (mid February) and did the same this year. Hopefully they'll bloom this year- but the suspense is killing me! Any ideas?
I can send a picture- I just need info on the proper size/format as I'm new to digital!! Thank you.
Answer Missie, There are many varieties and cultivars of Muscari. Here is a link see if you have one of these. http://www.floridata.com/ref/M/muscari_spp.cfm
Here in in Texas ours blooms in April. I do think feed and water play a big part in how the leaves can be different. Thanks John
