Autumn is an important time in the gardening calendar. It is a time when there should be a great deal of planning going on, ready for the spring season and the abundance of growth that comes with this season. Planting the correct autumn bulbs can help to brighten things up later on in the year, making the spring a beautiful time. They can be planted in borders or containers depending on the type of bulb, and will make a visual spectacle of a garden, courtyard or balcony. Getting the balance right and making sure there will be colour and interest throughout the year is very important.

Some bulbs are typically associated with the autumn while others may seem a little more unusual. These are some of the autumn bulbs that can be planted to add colour, interest and variety throughout the seasons:

• Tulips. There is so much that can be done with tulips – despite their iconic shape, there are many, many varieties. They can bring a range of colours and heights to the garden in the springtime, so there is plenty of choice.
• Hyacinths. These are one of the most recognisable of spring flowers that will grow after autumn planting. They come in different shades of pink, purple and cream and they can be planted in borders or containers.
• Daffodils. These bulbs should be planted in the autumn so that they are ready for the spring time. Daffodils are synonymous with the change of seasons and are often one of the earliest types of bulb to flower. Their brightness and charming yellow shades rings in a new season with beauty and style.
• Alliums. The tall and distinctive allium is a very different shape and size to many of the other bulbs that will grow from autumn planting. They can be used to add interest and character in a garden and they come in many different shades.
• Anemones. If longevity is important, the anemone is one of the best options around. This is a longer flowering bulb that can be planted in the autumn to grow flowers of many different colours.
• Crocus. This is an iconic flower with a goblet shape, and they come in a variety of radiant colours. They are best planted in a border and they can be naturalised if larger areas of flowers are preferred.
• Fritillaria. It is very important to grow bulbs that will suit the specific conditions that can be provided in any one space. Fritillaria are happy growing in lightly shaded conditions amongst other plants and flowers. They can be grown in pots as well as naturalised.
• Muscari. These might also be known as grape hyacinth and are usually a dark blue colour. They can be grown successfully in borders and are a delicate, attractive type of flower that adds interest.
• Amaryllis. These bulbs will usually be sent out during the later autumn months and they can be cultivated in the home to flower during the winter and over Christmas instead of the spring if preferred.