Yes. As long as the slates are not too big the stems will push through with no trouble.

I have the same thing in my front garden. Daffodils, snowdrops and even the small species tulips can push their way through the slate chippings. On the minus side, I was stupid enough to plant anemone Blanda and they have reseeded everywhere.

Thank you so much for the replies! I will go ahead and plant the Hyacinths. Funnily enough, I did buy anemone Blanda last year to plant there but ended up planting somewhere else.

Welcome back to GoY! I tend to agree with Jimmy. An inch or two of slate chips shouldn't be an issue or when you plant the bulbs, just give them a clearing so it's not too much in that area. I like your idea of using slate chips. You can really get creative with it. I find those membranes a waste of money. The weeds still come up - I guess that's why they are weeds. It won't stop the the weeds. .

Thank you for your response Bathgate! Yes, slate chips look really good. They have saved me a lot of time. And when it rains, the row of dwarf box looks beautiful against the wet slate.

my brother has slate chips [biggest ones are about 2" long] and all his bulbs come up fine from snowdrops/crocuses to camassia. so hyacinths shouldn't have a problem.

Thank you Seaburngirl, really appreciate your response. If the delicate snowdrops can push their way through, then the hyacinths will surely do! Now, if the rains let up, I will go ahead and plant them :)

Out, I have a HUGE bag of slate, had it the week after I retired, still there, winter job, hehe. So do I gather there's no need to put membrane down guys? I was planning black plastic, membrane and then slate.