Kinds of Bulbs

Fall-planted bulbs are the easiest plants you'll grow—each holds next spring's flower inside. Planted fall, they root as the garden fades, bursting into bloom at winter's retreat. With planning, orchestrate months of overlapping blooms bridging into early perennials for stunning spring displays. First year beautiful; subsequent years bigger and better.

Daffodils: Spring's First Big Show

Bright colors after winter's gray. Deer-resistant, long-lived, multiplying for decades. Fragrant jonquils especially sweet. Extend bloom: early trumpets → midseason large-cupped → late poeticus. "The Works" collection samples all groups.

Extra-Early Bloomers: Hope in Late Winter

If winter seems endless, plant handfuls of these tiny reminders that spring comes. Galanthus (snowdrops), Crocus chrysanthus, Iris reticulata—small but high impact when nothing else blooms. Dozens plant in minutes. Site near daily view (entry, kitchen window). You'll be delighted you did.

The Second Wave

Chionodoxa (Glory-of-Snow), Anemone blanda, Crocus vernus (Dutch crocus), Erythronium, Hyacinths, Muscari (Grape Hyacinths), Scilla, Species Tulips. Mixtures offer maximum color/form diversity for easy selection.

Overlapping & Finale

Fritillaria, Leucojum (Summer Snowflake), Narcissus (Daffodils) overlap the second wave. Darwin Hybrid Tulips bloom with daffodils—fine companions. Lily-Flowered Tulips (graceful stems) sing spring's swan song. Hyacinthoides (Bluebells) transition to early summer perennials, followed by fragrant summer lilies.

Have fun with color themes or exuberant mixes. Even a few dozen bulbs cheer next spring before perennials emerge.