SCHEDULING BULB BLOOMS

It's possible to have bulbs in flower from the  beginning of the growing season clear up to frost time.  Planting a wide variety of bulbs, with different flowering times makes this possible.  There are bulbs that flower from late winter to very early spring, early spring, early to mid-spring, midspring, late spring to early summer, summer, and finally, late summer to fall.  The timing for these bulbs depends on what planting zone you're in, as well as even where you have them planted in your yard.  Generally, bulbs planted south-facing, next to a wall or fence will bloom first.  (Look where your snow melts first for a good idea).  The very same species of bulb in a protected, north-facing site may be later, even up to several weeks.  Here's a partial lists of bulbs and their general bloom time:

LATE WINTER TO VERY EARLY SPRING

Glory-of-the-snow

Crocus

Reticulated iris

EARLY SPRING

Grecian windflower

Trumpet daffodils

Greigii, Fosteriana tulips

EARLY TO MIDSPRING

Hyacinths

Grape Hyacinths

Large-cupped daffodils

Single early, Darwin tulips

MIDSPRING

Bluebells

Crown Imperials

Single late tulips

LATE SPRING TO EARLY SUMMER

Allium

Madonna Lily

Parrot, Peony tulips

SUMMER

Caladiums

Cannas

Dahlias

Gladioli

Lilies

LATE SUMMER TO FALL

Ornamental onions

Tiger lily

Autumn crocuses

Winter daffodil

When planting, keep in mind that the bulb's roots come out of the bottom, and they will grow best and most vigorously if sitting on several inches of good soil.  Cheap, undersized bulbs are never a good buy.  Always try to buy top-quality bulbs.  I usually do this when mail order companies with good reputations have special deals and discounts.  Collections also are another way you can stretch your dollar and add a variety of bulbs for your beds.  Sometimes they offer a color theme, or bulbs that will lengthen bloom time, or bulbs for naturalizing.  I personally like to order particular varieties, and so a big 'mix' isn't good for me, because these bulbs are not individually marked.  Usually the big collections saves the most money.  Many mail order catalogs are offering free shipping, or buy 1 get 1 free, or immediate shipment right now.  But hurry if you haven't ordered, because popular varieties can sell out.  Once they are planted, bulbs can pretty much be left alone.  The cooler weather and rains, then cold temperatures, provide the necessary ingredients for successful blooms in the spring, summer, and even into the fall.