More early spring bulbs from LQ

Now is the last chance here in the high desert to get bulbs in the ground. As long as the soil is unfrozen and the bulbs are in good condition, you can still plant. The rule of thumb for planting depth is to dig a hole three times the depth of the bulb length. A pinch of balanced organic fertilizer, and some bone meal will help to keep the bulb nourished, and promote future bloom. Allow the foliage wither naturally so all the energy will go back into the bulb. The best situation is to have bulbs planted with perennials which will cover the fading bulb foliage. True geraniums work perfectly, but there are many other choices.

A wonderful naturalizer, over the years Scilla siberica has filled out this border edge nicely, creating a swath of deep blue-violet at the edge of this raised bed.

Besides coming in a wide range of colors, popular hyacinths have the additional attribute of being richly fragrant. Plant them where you can catch a whiff!

One of my personal favorites, Puschkinia scilloides is a little-known charmer originating in Turkey. To fully appreciate the delicate blue line etched into the center of each crisp white petal, it's necessary to go in close. Puschkinia is easy to grow in well-drained soil.

Anemone blanda, also known as wind anemone, brightens a shady border. The bulbs of this lovely spring ephemeral are particularly difficult to distinguish top from bottom. When in doubt I plant it on edge. It is available in white, pink, and dark blue as well as the clear light blue pictured. Here it is paired with muscari armeniacum, for a color echo. This is listed as a Zone 6 plant, and Santa Fe is officially Zone 5b (the warmer part of Zone 5). I find that you can push hardiness by planting near a wall or pavers. I have seen a definite warming trend over the past ten years here, and many Zone 6 plants are surviving well. It is always a gamble, but often worth trying.

Muscari "Valerie Finnis" is a particularly elegant variety with its bicolored flower heads. It sets off Narcissus "Thalia" to good effect. Note the guest supping nectar.