More than daffodils

Think of bulbs and a lot of us automatically think of tall showy spring-flowering daffodils, irises and tulips. The tall showy hybrids are fine in their place, but many other daintier versions (usually species rather than hybrids) are interesting for small gardens, rockeries, by patios, in containers and so on. Species may not flower over such a long period as hybrids, but they are little gems that light up different areas of the garden when not much else is in bloom. Usually being shorter than hybrids, they are not so vulnerable to wind and rain.

More than spring flowers

Remember too that there are bulbs for every season, not just spring, although some summer flowerers are not winter hardy, so you'll have to be prepared to lift them and store them (the easiest way is to pot them up and bury the pots in the ground during the summer) or re-plant each year.

Some suggestions

Look out for species tulips, daffodils, Iris, Erythronium, Fritillaria, squills, Hyacinth, Crocus, skunk cabbage, lilies, Dahlia, Gladiolus (these last two are not winter hardy), Montbretia (now called Crocosmia), Chionodoxa, grape hyacinths, wood sorrels, Cyclamen, Anemone, and winter aconites. Onamental onions (Allium) are also spectacular, but be warned that some types self seed everywhere so check for how invasive the type is before buying, and beware gardeners bearing gifts of spare plants from their garden. There could be a good reason that they have so many....