Many spring-flowering bulbs are overlooked, particularly those that light up the landscape during mid and late Spring.

Chionodoxa

For blue lovers like me, there is Chionodoxa (Glory-of-the-Snow, Puschkinia libanotica (Striped Squill), which is pale blue and white, and Muscari (Grape Hyacinth).

Muscari armeniacum between clumps of Sedum ‘Strawberries and Cream’

The best-known species is M.armeniacum,which is deep violet-blue. There is also a lesser-known species called A.azureum, that is light blue and shows up better in shade.

Planting these little bulbs in tandem with larger ones (Narcissus, tulips and hyacinths) that bloom at approximately the same time provides wonderful displays. I must emphasize the importance of carefully selecting the cultivar for timing in order for this to work.

When digging the holes, dig large ones to accommodate several bulbs at a time rather than individual ones. Plant the larger bulbs first, approximately six to eight inches deep.  Cover them with a few inches of soil and plant the small bulbs right on top of them; then finish filling the hole. At bloom time, you will have a carpet of tiny blossoms through which emerge the larger ones to provide sometimes analogous color and sometimes, complementary color.

Anemone blanda

An example of this would be Anemone blanda, forming a skirt for a larger bulb like a tulip or a Narcissus, the variety of which has been chosen for its simultaneous bloom time with the Anemone. 

Any number of combinations can be created depending on the color of the Anemone (blue, pink, or white) and the color of the tulip or Narcissus.  Whichever type of color scheme you choose, spring glory will brighten your spirits.

Anemone blanda white as a skirt for Tulipa ‘Heart’s Delight’-