It’s that time of year when we close up the garden for winter, but not before doing one final task. Planting bulbs for spring! There’s something so hopeful about tucking bulbs into the soil this time of year — a quiet promise that color and life will return after the long winter months. You might remember me sharing this time last year how I planted my bulbs for spring (you can read all about it HERE), and this past spring I got to enjoy the first signs of spring as my tulips, hyacinth and daffodils burst up from the ground. I’ve rounded up some of my absolute favorites to share with you today, including how our garden looked earlier this spring in full bloom.
Come and see ~
Each year, I like to mix things up just a little, adding new varieties while keeping a few tried-and-true favorites that never disappoint. This fall, I focused on creating a soft, romantic color palette — layers of white, blush, lavender, and soft purple blooms that will complement our garden’s early greenery perfectly come spring.
Why I Love Planting Spring Bulbs
Planting bulbs in the fall is one of those simple garden traditions that rewards patience. Once the cold sets in, it’s easy to forget all the work you’ve done — but when those first shoots appear in early April, it feels like such a gift.
Bulbs are also incredibly easy to plant and maintain. Just a little prep work in autumn, and you’ll be rewarded with weeks of beautiful blooms.
My Favorite Spring Bulbs
Here are a few of my favorite bulbs that I planted this year (featured in the graphic above):
Alliums
→ I love the whimsical, globe-like shape of alliums. They add height and structure to flower beds and look beautiful mixed among other perennials.
Double Daffodils
→ These are not your average daffodils! Their ruffled petals and creamy centers add such a romantic feel to early spring gardens.
Tulips (‘Angelique’ & ‘Mount Tacoma’)
→ I always include tulips for their classic beauty. I especially love soft blush pinks and creamy whites for a timeless look.
Muscari (Grape Hyacinths)
→ These petite blooms look like tiny clusters of jewels. I like to plant them along the garden’s edge or near pathways where their fragrance can be enjoyed up close.
Peony-Style Tulips (‘La Belle Epoque’)
→ These are a showstopper! Their layered petals and vintage coloring give them a lush, peony-like appearance that feels so elegant in the garden.
Tips for Planting Spring Bulbs
If you’re planning to plant your own spring bulbs, here are a few simple tips to keep in mind:
- Plant before the first hard frost. Ideally, get bulbs in the ground while the soil is still workable — usually 6–8 weeks before the ground freezes.
- Plant deep enough. A good rule of thumb is to plant bulbs at a depth about three times their height.
- Choose well-draining soil. Bulbs don’t like sitting in water — soggy soil can cause them to rot before spring.
- Add a little bone meal or bulb fertilizer. This gives them the nutrients they need to develop strong roots.
- Layer for continuous blooms. Try planting early-, mid-, and late-season bulbs together so your garden blooms in stages from March through May.
Looking Ahead to Spring
Even though it’s always bittersweet to say goodbye to the growing season, planting spring bulbs helps me look forward to the next one. I can already picture the first tulips and daffodils opening in the morning sun — a sure sign that winter is behind us and the garden is waking up once again.
If you haven’t planted bulbs yet, it’s not too late! A few hours spent in the garden now will bring you months of joy when spring arrives.
