That’s a bummer. I was worried we’d find the same and almost did. One warm spell and they just shoot up.

I planted a few a couple years ago that had been uprooted by an overzealous road grader. They’re still going strong but haven’t spread yet. In the woods we usually find them growing close to the road where they can get out from under the tree canopy a bit.

Lucky! I’ve never seen them for sale here and most people I talk to don’t even know they’re edible

Depending on where you live, it could’ve been a mock strawberry

I know I’m just a stranger on the internet, but I’m proud of you for putting in the effort to try and get help. That’s hard to keep doing when you keep getting turned away. I hope you keep calling until you find someone who can/will see you.

I’ve seen people walk laps in the shallower end too