Twist off small buds on camellias for fewer but larger blooms. For a single spectacular bloom period, plant the same type bulbs at the same depth. For longer lasting color, plant them at several depths over several weeks' time. The shallower ones will bloom first, and the deeper ones later. Some best bets include calendulas, pansies, Iceland poppies, primroses, and violas.
Cyclamen are especially good in fast-draining containers in filtered dappled light.
Unless you have especially well-drained soil, dig dahlia rhizomes, begonia tubers, caladiums, and gladiolus corms after their foliage has completely died down. Trim off remaining dahlia leaves and stalks, but don't cut the stems shorter than five inches from the swollen root. Handle them carefully, as bruising and puncture damage will encourage decay. Cannas can stay in the soil through the winter, but cut the old flower stalks to the soil level. For the last time, water cacti and succulents that will go dormant during the winter.