If you didn't get your spring-flowering bulbs planted, you're not alone. Many gardeners found that autumn rains delayed their bulb planting, only to find a cold snap as the rains let up. The reason for planting bulbs in the fall is twofold.
Bulbs require a period of chilling to initiate flowers.
Bulbs also need to put down good root growth before they sprout foliage and flowers. The roots will then be able to supply the tops with water and nutrients from the soil. Waiting until spring to plant the bulbs will not satisfy these requirements, so spring-planted bulbs will likely not bloom this year. Saving the bulbs for planting next fall is not a wise choice either. Proper storage conditions to keep the bulbs cool and dry are often hard to find in the home environment.