Not a bulb but no idea what it actually is - what is size?

Equisetum arvernense or better known as Mare' Tail. A very old plant which is one of the worst and hardest to eradicate weeds going.

I didn't think it was a bulb. Its about 3" I guess, several coming up though in the same area, all close to my hydrangea which has been there years. I only noticed them since the heavy downpours we've had this week.

Thanks Owdboggy, best get digging then! Strange how I've not seen it there before.

If Moon grower does not recognise it then I am beginning to wonder if it is Mare's Tail. Certainly has the look of Equisetum though.

my first thought is mares tail too. It looks as if it has had its tip nibbled but I am pretty certain it is a mt going by the sheath at each node.

I agree mares tail - excuse me, brain dead - Scottish Rock Garden Club spring show in Nairn tomorrow!

Thanks everyone, shall be digging them out tomorrow!

follow the stems as far down as you can, any bit of root left will continue to grow. a really pernicious weed

Thanks Seaburngirl, sounds like a fun job! Strange that I've never seen it there before.

That is what had me wondering, it does not appear from nowhere. Just to keep you amused, I followed a root down in our old garden. I was digging down to try to find the main sewer (another story) and the root was still going down when I stopped, a mere 9 feet below ground. Roots have been traced in quarries still going down over 30 feet. Best of luck digging them out.

Gawd!

Haha, I'm not digging 9 feet down!!

No, but if you don't you can expect to see it again! I wonder if SBK would deal with it?

SBK???

Doubt it that is for tree roots and stumps. Nothing deals with mares tail!

That is nothing available to the amateur. there is a professional chemical, but it is nasty stuff.
Round up will eventually deal with it, but you need to bruise the leaves before applying it. Beat them with a stick, not enough to break the stems off, but enough to damage the leaves before spraying. Needs to be done about every 2 weeks until the stuff has gone.
I did get rid of it from our previous garden, by going out and hoeing it off almost every day. It took a long time.

Do you think the new Roundup Weedkiller Gel might work? Other than that I think I might just keep hoeing!

just keep hoeing, free gym work out :o)