"Bad" Bulb Sources - ID
James Waddick (Tue, 11 Mar 2003 06:08:28 PST)
Dear all;
I differ about mentioning 'bad' sources of bulbs. If the
writer personally has had problems with a source, he/she should
certainly contact that source. If still dissatisfied, there is no
reason to restrain from relating personal experience. I stress
"personal experience" and not generalized ranting about all aspects
of a company.
A few comments suggest early experiences that 'went bad'. I
assume this is a case of the naive bulb grower buying a 'bargain'.
We've all done that knowing it was too cheap to be real.
I have had bad experiences with Louisiana Nursery years ago
and got turned off, but I know others who find them acceptable. The
complaints about Michigan Bulb Company are legend. (BTW They're back
after claiming bankruptcy, I just got a catalog in the mail. Why
me?). And the notorious Ty-Ty/ Georgia Bulb, Mary Washington (they go
under a variety of names -as do their plants) is a place I could
never recommend.
Point is a person can and should complain responsibly and not
condemn a business totally, but personal experience is a lesson for
all.
Mis-Identified bulbs. I shouldn't have to even say this, but
anyone and everyone can mis-identify a bulb. Once dormant the
differences between species, cultivars etc can be impossible to tell
apart. Even the very best growers who handle hundreds of bulbs can
easily mix up a bulb here and there. Just so many ways to have ID
problems. Everyone can have mix ups.
And there are SO MANY ways a bulb can get mixed up from the
time it goes dormant, to digging, to transfer, to sorting, to
packaging and shipping. Bulb resellers have twice as many chances to
mix up bulbs.
Of course when this is a $50 rarity, it becomes a serious
complaint, but we have all seen a bed of yellow tulips with a pink
one here and purple there.
Let common sense prevail. I'd like to hear of bulb suppliers
who have given some gardeners problems, then satisfied customers can
come to their defense and let the reader decide.
Just keep calm. Jim W.
--
Dr. James W. Waddick
8871 NW Brostrom Rd.
Kansas City Missouri 64152-2711
USA
Ph. 816-746-1949
E-fax 419-781-8594
Zone 5 Record low -23F
Summer 100F +