1. Good soil counts. Take the time to prepare the bed where you are going to be planting. Good drainage is particularly important, as most bulbs like it on the dry side during their period of dormancy.

2. A general rule for planting depth is that it should be three times a bulb's diameter. So a tulip bulb two inches across should be planted

six inches deep.

3. Don't be afraid to make bulb "sandwiches." More than one type of bulb can share a planting hole. Put the largest on the bottom, sprinkle on a little soil, add a smaller bulb, sprinkle on a little more, and finish up with a small bulb on top with just a couple of inches of soil over that.

4. Generally speaking, plant the pointy side of the bulb facing up. Sometimes this can be difficult to figure out, in which case plant the bulb on its side and it will actually right itself.

5. Don't fertilize when you plant. This may contradict advice you have read, but I've never done it. Using a product like bone meal in the planting hole can attract critters that will then feast on the bulbs. Instead, apply a good slow-release fertilizer as the foliage starts to appear in the spring. And a twice-yearly top-dressing with compost wouldn't hurt either.

6. But do water when you plant, just as you would something that came in a pot. And in the spring, if you don't get those April showers.

7. More is more. Don't skimp on the number of bulbs you buy. A dozen crocus will go almost unnoticed but a hundred will make a statement.

8. This is not a planting tip, but resist all temptation, after the blooming season, to braid, tie up or cut the bulb's foliage until it begins to turn yellow and flops over. Then it is safe to cut it off. Doing anything else beforehand will impinge on the plant's ability to photosynthesize, which is crucial to the formations of the next season's blooms.

The photos are from companies I have ordered from over the years and can recommend based on my experience. I've included links to their web sites in the captions.

What bulbs are you planting this season?

We installed a new tub and complemented it with the glass subway tile that comes out into the room to give the entire room a modern feel.

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**Comments:

1. Temperature neutral like carpet, not cool like hardwood or cold like tile

2. Louder than carpet, quieter than hardwood or laminate ... not quite as insulating & quiet as the sales rep led us to believe ... we can still hear the kids upstairs, maybe even a little more than with carpet. Also, sneaking to the bathroom @ night isn't as stealthy as with carpet. I'm probably going to put a few small rugs down. 3. Harder than carpet, softer than hardwood or laminate

4. Easier to clean than carpet

5. Doesn't snag dog hair or dust like carpet (better for our allergies)

6. The finish is a little slippery for the old dog, but not as bad as my friend's laminate floor

7. He went with a very light color to keep the bedrooms/hallways bright ... the look is unusual, but we're getting used to it

8. No vacuum marks ... dust, dirt, dog hair, foot prints, etc. don't show. Always looks great.

9. Pricy for upstairs flooring, I think, but in line with hardwood.