I am in the process of making my garden all summer flowering and I have just researched the plants which I want to flower in those particular months so just research the bulbs which will flower when you want them to.

I actually plant so there is a succession of plants through the spring. A longer season of interest. :o)

I am not that clever Seaburngirl :o)

You can get daffs that flower from early in the year right up to mid April if you choose the variety - some of the smaller early ones would look great with the iris, but I haven't got it quite right yet either. I put them in separate containers this year, and just stood them next to each other. One thing that does work is planting tulips and then putting in violas. The violas just keep on flowering so it doesn't really matter when the tulips appear. You could also try using primroses for the same reason. Red ones look great with daffs, and if you don't hate grape hyacinths a few of those too add another colour note. Be wary of planting them in the garden afterwards though as they run wild given the chance. They will live all year in a container quite happily. I'm with Seaburngirl, its lovely to have a succession of colour over as long a season as possible.

I like to plant Primula veris and Primula Denticulata, together in pots , they look fab, nice as cut flowers in a smalish vase, plan ahead, you will find garden centres etc reducing the price of these once flowering is over so you will get some good plants ready for next year, dwarf narcissi with muscari are an equally interesting combination, and good as cut flowers too.

It will probably be a matter of trial and error to find out what works for you in your area, and it might not even be the same each year, though if you pick your varieties carefully and do some research you can optimise your chances of success. Personally I prefer to spread the interest over as many months as possible!

Thanks all of you, maybe I should read the small print, and take note from this years experience.