And don't forget pansies. They love to bloom in cool weather and look quite charming with spring bulbs - especially the smaller ones such as crocuses, snowdrops, chionodoxa and muscari. And they will spread nicely as the bulbs start to deteriorate - so that you will hardy notice when the bulbs make their exit. Many other annuals will also provide a long season of color and a great mask for the bulb remains, but you are advised to start these early so that they have achieved some mass before they are set into the garden. Here is a final trick that I love - taking those same early blooming spring bulbs and planting them in the lawn.
Snow crocuses are especially good here as they emerge very early.
You can plant huge swathes of them all through the yard fearlessly. By the time your grass needs its first mowing, they will be ready to be mowed. A painless and lovely way to create a stunning spring display. If none of these tricks appeal to you, you might consider adding a few things to your Christmas wish list, such as beautiful boulders or nice pieces of yard art that you can set in front of the offensive foliage. Thereafter, simply make sure that any bulbs that you plant go behind these installations.