And now is the time to start cultivating them. Georgia Raimondi has some pointers for brighten up your winter. The hardy kinds include crocuses, daffodils, snowdrops, hyacinths and tulips. Tender bulbs include amaryllis, paper whites, Easter lilies and calla lilies. Tender bulbs are the easiest to force because they do not require a cooling period and can be forced to bloom indoors.
Bulbs are readily available at local gardening stores and gardening catalogs.
These bulbs do not require potting soil although they do well when planted. Chose a shallow bowl or pot without a drainage hole. Fill the container up to two inches from the top with decorative pebbles or sand. Colored pebbles and sand can be found at Smith and Hawken retail stores. Nestle the bulbs shoulder to shoulder with the noses up and add more pebbles or sand leaving approximately a third of an inch of the top of each bulb uncovered.