Yes, definitely not Rip Van Winkle. One possibility that it 'might' be is Double Campernelle Van Sion I see is actually a synonym of Telamonius Plenus. Check out the pics of Telamonius Plenus at Daffseek. It also says, "Doubling varies from partial to completely double;" along with a lot of other Daff-speak that I don't comprehend well. I also think that there are some pics of the Telamonius Plenus at Daffseek that are just plain incorrect, but who am I to say such a thing? A couple of those pics look exactly like Rip Van Winkle. If my Telamonius Plenus (aka Van Sion) are still decent, I'll try getting a pic here soon. A pretty reliable source told me that what I had was Telamonius Plenus (aka Van Sion) and I'm thinking mine are different than yours. Sorry to be of such little help and maybe just being confusing. I wish we had a historical daff expert here. Sue

Ornithogalums??? Oh vetivert, you are bad, but Ornithogalum is the first thing that comes to mind when I think of spring chores and getting to work outside, usually in late Feb. Now I realize my question could have and should have been phrased a lot better. How about this? If the Bulb Forum members would submit their (own) pics of plants and blooms grown from bulbs for a new forum picture, what should it be? . Should it be open to anything grown from bulbs? Should it maybe exclude such things that have more 'specific' forums of their own, such as Lily, Tropical, and House Plant? Should it be an individual bloom, or as you suggested, maybe a still life flower arrangement of numerous delectable blooms grown from bulbs? Please 'scuse me for just having tunnel vision and tunnel thoughts of just Daffodils. At any rate, the folks who are having their spring now, can hopefully be trying to get some great pics. Ok...so when does anyone think we could/should start taking picture submissions? Should we wait until late 2010 so glads could be included by those in the US who grow them? Should we wait a full year (or nearly) so the members down under have an opportunity to have another summer blooming season, like for glads? hmmm...what is fairest? I guess before proceeding, I should check with the 'Powers that be' to see for sure if they would be willing to get the pic changed and updated with a pretty pic of our choosing. I hope lots of folks will give their input and in time, post their pics for entry. In doing a search here on the forum, it seems that Tulips and Daffs are the 2 things most often posted about. I imagine though that tulips are most frequently asked about, due to them having problems, or emerging early, or for not blooming a second season when they are thought to be perennials like daffodils. Here is a spring 2009 pic of a bouquet of Daffodil Show rejects. Hopefully in 2010, I can put together a much better arrangement and pic. Sue...hoping/planning to start daff planting today...maybe

Hi. Are you talking about fuzzy-leaf Florist Gloxina, 'large leaves?' The more light, there's a better chance buds will form. Long ago, I had a Glox that started blooming in June. Once more leaves and plant grows compact, try forcing by withholding water and fertilizer 2-3-wks. Afterwards, especially once more leaves grow, give your Glox a hearty drink, and place in a sunny area. Toni I prefer botom-watering Gloxinas. Less chance of rot. It's a matter of choice though. Toni

Is it certain that your mother's plant is a Phalaenopsis? To "hear" you describe it as though it has leaves in ranks of two, and its environment as very humid, and its watering so frequent, I'm wondering whether you might have an orchid I can't name, but which Jane-NY called her "Fat Boy," before her move to southern climes. ?? I live in an entirely different climate (dry) in NorCal, but my large phal would never survive such frequent watering. If what you have is actually a phal; and if it is as robust as the picture by google; I would advise you to do everything exactly as your mother did---except, perhaps, that you keep the dust off and move the plant to within about a foot of very bright, but indirect light (ESE or so). Its color should be more of a medium green; not so dark green as in the picture. It should also be near a window in the fall, so that it will be able to get the temp drop at night for spike set. It sounds like a great plant; please post a pic when it blooms!