Forcing spring - Cheery-colored bulbs beat the winter blues

If the gray skies have you feeling dreary and wishing for spring gardens, a burst of color might be just the thing to brighten your mood.

A pot of tulips, a vase of daffodils or a container of crocus can add cheerful color and wonderful scents to any room. These spring-flowering bulbs can easily be coaxed into an early bloom.

Here's some tips from the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center for how to use these potted bulbs around your house and how to care for them.

* Choosing potted bulbs

When selecting potted bulbs from florists or supermarket stands, select ones that are still young, with tight green buds showing and little color. These "bulblettes" can grow taller and mature before coming into full bloom.

* Adding touches of color to winter decor

Potted bulbs help bring the garden indoors during the dormant winter months. A pot of forced tulips or hyacinths can stay in bloom over a period of weeks.

* How to care for potted bulbs

Terra cotta or plastic nursery pots are fine for holding the bulbs but might not make the best display. Choose decorative containers and slip the plastic pot inside as is. Water the bulbs to keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Once the weather warms up, your bulbs can be acclimated for spring planting. When you're ready to add the bulbs to your garden landscape, remove them from their nursery pot as you would any other annual plant and place them into rich, well-drained soil.

If you would rather keep the bulbs in an outdoor container, choose one that is larger to better insulate the plants from the cold temperatures.