When most of us think about spring-blooming bulbs, we focus on daffodils and tulips.  Both are essential in spring, but there are so many of the so-called "little bulbs" that cost a pittance and add a new dimension to the spring garden.  I am especially fond of muscari or grape hyacinth. 

Grape hyacinth is one of those old fashioned flowers that you often find established in the gardens of older homes.  The first spring that we spent in our current house, I noticed many clumps of grass-like foliage.  When they finally bloomed, I saw that those clumps were Muscari armeniacum, or traditional blue grape hyacinth.  Since then they have prospered and multiplied.  I have divided the original clumps many times to make a grape hyacinth border in one of my raised beds.  

I think that the best kept secret about these plants is that the tiny, bell-shaped flowers are so sweetly scented.  A small bouquet of grape hyacinths won't scent a room, but will delight you every time you raise it to your nose.  I keep a little vase of them on my desk for a bit of springtime inspiration.  The flowers also last--in the garden and in the house--for a long time. 

If you have a container or window box garden, you can plant a spring assortment of daffodils, tulips and grape hyacinths.  Layer your planting scheme by installing the daffodils first, about seven inches down.  Cover them with soil, and then arrange the tulip bulbs in the next layer, which should be about five inches down.  Cover the tulips, then arrange the grape hyacinth bulbs, which should be about four inches down.  Cover the small bulbs and top off the container with potting mix.  In the spring you will have a succession of blooms in a single pot.  

I had such success with my traditional grape hyacinths that I branched out and ordered some of the sky-blue 'Valerie Finnis' variety.  They now flourish at the base of a long privet hedge  You can also buy white grape hyacinths, which look especially nice in an all-white planting scheme or combined with blue varieties.   

One of the best things about the little bulbs is that you don't have to plant them one by one.  Dig a big hole or a trench and install a handful at a time.  The effect is more natural and the strain on your back will be much less.