Bulbs bring brilliant colour to the garden and are often the first sign that winter has truly ended and spring has indeed sprung.

I suggest that no matter what you gardening preference is, flowers, vegetables, herbs, you consider adding a few bulbs at least to your garden. The joy and yes, relief they bring, when they first peek up from the cold ground is worth it.

Remember right plant right place will help you grow beautiful flowers. Most spring flowering bulbs will need a high organic, well drained, slightly acidic (pH 6-7) soil in a sunny location (6 to 8 hours of sunlight.)

When it come to planting bulbs there is a second rule in addition to the right plant, right place rule and that is to plant bulbs root side down. If you do not you will be wondering where the bulbs are.

My five favourite fall bulbs are and this is in no order of preference; daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths and snowdrops or Galanthus. There are many, many more to choose from and you will be readily able to find something to suit your garden.

The daffodil is one of my wives favourite flowers and so it is no surprise that it is an important part of our garden.

Daffodils are easy to grow and require little maintenance. They come in many different shapes and colours that, with careful selection of varieties, can bloom for four months a year.

The best site for daffodils is a well-drained, sunny place, for example, hillsides and raised beds are best. Daffodils need good drainage slightly acidic soil is best.

Be sure to plant your daffodils so that their top (pointed end) is at least two times as deep as the bulb is high (top of a 2" bulb is 4" deep). Remember pointed end up and you will be fine.

The scientific name of the daffodil is derived from the Greek god Narcissus, who looked into a pool, saw his reflection and fell in love with himself.

The Romans brought the daffodil to Britain. The Romans believed the sap from daffodils had healing powers. In fact, the sap contains crystals that can irritate the skin.

Snowdrops or as they are more formally called Galanthus are hardy bulbs, originally from Europe and Asia Minor. The white flowers appear in early spring but may show up in mid to late winter; this makes them the earliest flowering bulb. In the south they may bloom from late fall through winter.

Plant the bulbs 3-4 inches deep in early autumn in fertile soil. They will do well in either shade or sun and work great as an edging plant or in rock gardens.

Snowdrops and crocuses are ideal bulbs for naturalizing your lawn and this is a great way to reduce the time and energy you spend cutting it. Plus it will break the boredom of the all green expanse that sits out front of far too many homes.

Crocuses are also early peepers and they bring their cheerful yellow and purple into the early spring scene. On our spring walks, they are one of the signs that I seek out. Their appearance inspires me and lets me know that growing season is near.

Plant crocuses near your house and let them benefit from the extra heat. They will help thaw the winter cold that often creeps inside our bones.

Daffodils, tulips, crocus, hyacinths and snowdrops are five favourite fall bulbs that reward you season after season.