Who doesn’t love that first sign of spring – the top of the crocuses peaking up through the last snow. However, it’s important to remember that fall is the time to plant all spring bloom bulbs. For such a big payoff in spring, fall planting is an exceptionally easy task, whether gardening in pots or prepared beds. Just dig some holes, drop in bulbs, and enjoy next spring.

Bulbs are widely available now from mail-order sources, garden centers, supermarkets and national retailers.

* The colors and varieties of bulbs are endless so before your are tempted to buy one of each consider one or two colors that work well with each other and the look and feel of your home. A tight color palette is a much more sophisticated look than a field of confetti.

* Also consider bloom times. There are actually three bloom seasons in spring: early-, mid- and late-season. Choose bulbs that bloom at different times and, with minimal effort giving you can month after month of spring color. For a simple guide, the tiny bulbs like crocuses and muscari come up in early spring, daffodils next and tulip last. But within each type of bulb there can wide variety of times.

* As a general rule, the bigger the bulb, the bigger the flower. Flower bulbs are generally sold by size or caliber – the bigger the bulb the deeper it should be planted. Plant them three times their diameter.

* Think onions when choosing bulbs at the nursery, the firmer the better. It’s okay for bulbs to have a few marks on them, but reject bulbs that are mushy or show signs of mold or fungus as these bulbs were likely not bloom.

• The good news is you can buy now and plant later. Bulbs are forgiving, pre-programmed by nature to grow and thrive, no matter how irreverently they are treated. Bulbs should be planted at least six weeks before hard frosts hit in your area. Store the bulbs in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

Once planted water well twice and sit back and wait until spring.

– On The House