Invest in Next Spring

Plant these bulbs in fall for carpets of color the following year.

- EVA MONHEIM

1 Winter aconite

ERANTHIS HYEMALIS, ZONES 4 TO 7

Tough and resilient, winter aconites provide brilliant yellow morsels of joy in the garden as they begin to awaken around March in many areas. The tubers multiply over time, providing even more brilliant color. The low, buttercuplike flower's frilly green collar accents the yellow petals. Full to part sun is ideal.

Why we love it: This low-grower shines along pathways, is exceptionally deer resistant, and can even grow under black walnut trees.

2 Camas

CAMASSIA LEICHTLINII SSP. SUKSDORFII, ZONES 5 TO 9

Lovely stalks of blue-purple star-shaped flowers grow up to 4 feet tall and bloom from April to May. Camas plants tolerate a range of soils from clay to wet or dry ground and work well in rain gardens. The flowers come in an array of colors, including white, purple, blue, and cream. The yellow anthers make flower petals pop.

Why we love it: Camas is native to the western U.S., and bees appreciate the pollen in late spring.

3 Pagoda trout lily

ERYTHRONIUM CALIFORNICUM, ZONES 3 TO 9

Pagoda is one of the largest trout lilies, standing up to a foot tall. With sulfur yellow flowers, it brightens partly shaded gardens, and deer and rabbits leave it alone. This lily goes dormant after blooming, so plant it among perennials that start to shine in early summer.

Why we love it: In addition to the bright flowers, the plant's leaves are a glossy green, sporting bronze and maroon markings that fade later in the season.

CONTINUED COLOR Many of these plants lose interest in summer. Grow ground covers, such as yellowroot shrubs, ostrich ferns, or hostas, around the bulbs to disguise their wilted stems and leaves. The ground covers' foliage keeps plots lush and green.