Late winter and spring flowering bulbs brighten our spirits as they signal the end of winter. They also provide needed nectar to early season pollinators.
Some of the earliest bulbs to brighten the landscape are yellow flowering winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), the white blooms of snowdrops (Galanthuss nivalis) and the blue and white flowers of glory of the snow (Chionodoxa).
These are quickly followed by the white or blue bell shaped flowers of Siberian squill (Scilla siberica) and purple-blue flowers of grape hyacinths (Muscari).
Plant these early blooming small-scale bulbs in groups of 15 to 20 for greater visual impact. This also helps the pollinators. Growing in larger groupings means the pollinators expend less energy as they move from one flower to the next.
Add a few blue, white or pink Spanish bluebells (Hyacinthoides hispanica), uniquely flowered Checkered lilies (Fritillaria meleagris) and iris in a rainbow of colors to finish off the spring season.
A bit more information: Need help planning a colorful garden for you and the pollinators? Longfield Gardens has a Bloom Times Guide to Spring and Summer Bulbs and the National Wildlife Federation Garden for Wildlife website provides lots of ideas on Creating a Sustainable Garden that helps wildlife.