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Designing a bulb garden is all about planning for succession so something is always happening. Start by thinking in seasons rather than individual plants. Spring bulbs like snowdrops, crocus, daffodils and tulips kick things off early, followed by late spring and summer bulbs such as alliums, lilies and gladioli.

Plant bulbs in natural looking drifts rather than straight lines. Groups of 10 or more create far more impact than single bulbs dotted about. Taller bulbs work best towards the back of borders or rising through shrubs and perennials, while smaller bulbs suit the front edge or under trees.

For maximum colour in a small space, use the lasagne method in pots or borders. Larger, later flowering bulbs go deepest, mid season bulbs sit above them, and early flowering bulbs go near the surface. This gives weeks of colour from the same area with very little extra effort.

Most bulbs are planted at a depth roughly two to three times their own height. A good rule is to plant them pointy end up, roots down, and space them according to the size of the bulb rather than cramming them too tightly together.

Choose a spot with free draining soil as bulbs dislike sitting wet over winter. If the soil is heavy, add grit or compost to improve drainage. Planting holes do not need to be precise. A bulb planter or trowel works well and a scattering approach often looks more natural than measured spacing.

Once planted, water them in well. After that, nature usually does the rest. Bulbs generally need very little attention beyond leaving the foliage to die back naturally so they can store energy for next year.

For sheer longevity, many gardeners rate alliums and lilies among the longest flowering bulbs. Alliums produce bold, architectural flower heads that last for weeks and often continue to look attractive even as they fade and dry.

Among spring bulbs, daffodils are hard to beat. Many varieties flower over several weeks and cope well with variable weather. Crocus and snowdrops have shorter individual blooms but planting different varieties extends the overall season.

If the goal is months rather than weeks of interest, mixing spring bulbs with summer flowering bulbs such as lilies, gladioli and agapanthus is the best approach. Together, they create a bulb garden that starts early in the year and carries on well into summer.