If there ever was a flower that taught me to appreciate the "little bulbs" it would have to be the grape hyacinth. They are versatile, tough and provide shades of blue untouched by any other bloom in the early spring garden. A more intimate inspection reveals a flower of subtle beauty.

It takes lots of these little guys to make an impact – but watch out, in vast numbers they are a real knock out. I have planted them as borders in gardens along with Snow Princess® lobularia. The blue blooms contrasted with the clean white flowers of the lobularia is sensational. As spring progresses and Snow Princess grows, she provides good cover for grape hyacinth’s foliage. Like other bulbs you have to let grape hyacinth go through that essential period of scruffy foliage after flowering so they will bloom again next year. Don’t remove the leaves for at least 8 weeks after the last flower fades.