Spring Bulbs: Colour, Hope and Life After Winter
Winter can seem to roll in like a grey cloud over the hills, a heavy blanket settling across the bare bones of our gardens. Whether it’s a crisp, frosty winter with the occasional dusting of snow or a damp, misty one, the first signs of spring bring a much-needed lift — a reminder that warmer, brighter days are on their way.
Whether it’s the delight of spotting the first snowdrop or the brave shoots of crocus pushing through frozen soil, spring bulbs are an absolute must in any garden, front or back.
Why Spring Bulbs Matter
So why are those early flowers so important, especially when it’s still too cold to spend much time outdoors? Spring bulbs are the bridge between winter dormancy and summer abundance. They’re low-maintenance and high-reward: with just a little time spent planning and planting in late autumn or early winter, they’ll give months of colour and life in return.
Planted thoughtfully, they can lift your spirits from the kitchen window or bring a touch of cheer to passers-by on a grey day. They also play a vital role for early pollinators emerging hungry after winter — a lifeline of nectar and pollen just when it’s most needed.
Planning for an Extended Season of Interest
Aim to choose bulbs that flower across a long window — from late winter right through to early summer. By layering varieties with different flowering times, your garden can stay alive with colour for months.
Late winter: Snowdrops (Galanthus nivalis, G. elwesii) and crocus are the season’s first stars. Snowdrops bring a subtle beauty, especially against frost or snow, while crocuses add those joyful splashes of purple, white, and yellow.
Tip: Crocuses prefer well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight. They look wonderful naturalised in grass or planted in rockeries. For a natural look, scatter the bulbs by hand and plant them where they fall. For real impact, aim for around 50–100 corms per square metre.
Early to mid-spring: Narcissi and tulips take over, carrying colour through March to May. Narcissi are reliable and cheerful, perfect for borders or naturalising in grass. Tulips bring drama — try blending soft pastels for a gentle scheme or bold contrasting shades for something more vibrant.
Late spring into summer: Alliums and camassias extend the show into early summer. Their sculptural forms add structure and height to borders, pairing beautifully with perennials like geraniums, euphorbias, and grasses that help disguise fading foliage.
Try purple alliums with orange geums or yellow euphorbias for contrast, or blue camassias with white aquilegias for something softer and romantic.
Drifts, Swathes and Natural Flow
Rather than planting in stiff lines, think in drifts and swathes. This naturalistic approach mimics how plants grow in the wild and creates a sense of abundance and movement. It’s also better for wildlife — large, grouped patches of flowers are easier for pollinators to find and feed from.
Woodland vs. Full Sun
Different bulbs suit different conditions:
Woodland settings: Snowdrops, bluebells, wood anemones, fritillaries — all thrive in dappled light and moist soil beneath deciduous trees.
Sunny borders or open meadows: Tulips, alliums, narcissi, and muscari prefer open, well-drained spots.
As trees come into leaf, light levels shift — plan your planting so early bulbs make the most of that fleeting spring sunshine before the canopy closes.
The Joy and Benefits of Early Spring Colour
After the long quiet of winter, those first bursts of colour have a profound effect. They remind us that the garden is waking up, and so are we. Studies have shown that even small connections with nature — seeing flowers, hearing bees — can lift mood, reduce stress, and spark creativity.
And it’s not just people who benefit: early blooms provide food for bees, hoverflies, and other pollinators when little else is available. Planting bulbs is a simple way to support local wildlife while creating beauty that nourishes the human spirit too.
Bringing It All Together
Spring bulbs offer a perfect balance of ease, beauty, and purpose. With thoughtful planting, they’ll bring life to your garden from the earliest days of the year, feeding both pollinators and the soul.
So as you plan your garden this autumn, imagine those first hopeful signs of colour pushing through cold soil — a small reminder that light always returns.