Bulbs are low maintenance hardy perennials that offer some of the earliest color to start a new year of gardening. Many will continue to do so year after year without the slightest attention.

Showcase bulbs in areas where perennials will be the follow-up color after the bulbs have finished, or in areas designated for an eventual planting of seasonal annuals. For a less planned appearance, plant in typically ungardened, natural areas for a springtime pasture or meadow effect.

The effect of crocuses is especially beautiful when they are planted in large numbers. These popular bulbs bloom in very early spring or even late winter. They have narrow, grass-like leaves and funnel shaped flowers in white, pink, lavender, purple, yellow or orange, sometimes streaked or mottled. The flowers open only when the sun shines or when there is a lot of light; they close up in rainy weather and at night. Crocuses are lovely in the perennial border where they join the other very early perennials in ringing in the flowering season.

Remember that for true perennial repeat performances, Daffodils steal the show and are most reliable. These will naturalize very easily, and year after year will continue to increase their numbers creating an ever-expanding Spring display. Yellow is no longer the only color. Now both petals and cups come in a variety of combinations in shades of red, orange, peach, pink, white, yellow and salmon. Petals and cups can also be single or double as well as flat or ruffled.

Originally hyacinths grew only in the lands around the Mediterranean Sea, especially in Turkey. It didn't take long for them to become a worldwide favorite. One reason is the wide assortment of flower colors while another reason is the scent that is so highly fragrant and praised by flower and plant enthusiasts. Excellent for a spring display in a border or in containers.

If you're looking for hardy, no-care, "Plant and Forget" spring flowering bulbs, look no further - load up on Grape Hyacinth. These bulbs are so winter hardy and easy to grow that no garden should be without them. An additional benefit is that they have a lovely fragrance. The more you plant, the more fragrance you get. Small, urn-shaped blue flowers cluster on top of long stems. Leaves are narrow and fleshy and can live through snow. Pairs nicely with Daffodils, Tulips and other bulbs. Very long lived. Use in rock gardens and containers or under trees.

Remember that for true perennial repeat performances, Narcissus steal the show and are most reliable. These will naturalize very easily, and year after year will continue to increase their numbers creating an ever-expanding Spring display. Also called "Paperwhites", that's just what they look like - delicate white tissue paper-like cups and petals. "Paperwhites" (Narcissus papyraceus) are a type of daffodil native to the western Mediterranean. They produce up to 20 small but fragrant white flowers on each flowering stalk.

The botanical name for tulips, Tulipa, is derived from the Turkish word tulpend or turban, which the flower resembles. Wild tulips are native to Turkey and western and central Asia, with only a few species occurring in Europe. They were introduced in The Netherlands in the late 1500s. For the past 400 years, they have been extensively hybridized. Thus, all of the Tulips sold as potted plants are hybrid cultivars. Our modern hybrids offer a wide variety of colors and styles from stately and formal to whimsical and even bizarre. All are a welcome flash of color from March to May depending on variety.