We’re always excited at this time of year when our garden shop shelves start filling with spring bulbs, and now is the ideal time to start buying and planting.

Depending on the type, they can be planted from September until November - and the best way to enjoy a long season of flowers is to pick varieties that bloom throughout the season.

How to plant

Even on the darkest winter days, the welcome sight of a green shoot peeking through tells us that spring is on its way. And, with a little planning now, your garden or patio will reward you with blooms that will go on for months next year.

A ‘bulb lasagne’ is an easy and very effective way to make the most of spring flowers in a small space like a pot or window box. You start with the largest and latest flowering bulbs (like late flowering tulips or alliums) at the lowest level of the pot, and plant early flowering, smaller bulbs (such as crocus) on top.

What to plant

There are so many bulbs to choose from, and growers bring out new varieties each year. That said, it can be tricky to know where to start, especially if you’re new to gardening. So we’ve put together five of our most-loved bulbs for a fail-safe spring display.

Crocus
Often the very first to pop up (sometimes even pushing through snow), the early appearance of crocuses makes them a much-loved sign that winter is easing. They’re perfect for naturalising in lawns or planting in drifts at the edge of a border.

Daffodil
No flower says spring quite like the daffodil. For smaller spaces, try miniature daffodils like ‘Tête-à-Tête’ or the dainty white ‘Thalia’ - both are perfect for pots or window boxes but look equally lovely planted en masse.

Hyacinth
Hyacinths are all about fragrance and are ideal for small spaces where you want maximum impact. They grow well indoors, too - just don’t forget your bulb fertiliser when planting indoor bulbs.

Tulip
Tulips provide weeks of colour in every shade imaginable. They’re brilliant for cutting too. For the best effect, plant them generously, mixing early, mid and late flowering types to keep the display going well into May.

Allium
Adding height and structure long after tulips and daffodils have faded, alliums are one of our all-time favourites. Try ‘Purple Sensation’ for large, dramatic flower heads, or the elegant white ‘Mount Everest’.