While most of us loosely refer to all bulbous plants (plants that have developed a highly effective means for storing food underground) as "bulbs," these plants are actually divided into five different categories: true bulbs (like the daffodil, hyacinth, lily, tulip), corms (crocus, freesia, gladiolus), tubers (caladium, anemone), tuberous roots (dahlia) and rhizomes (canna and calla lilies). Though there are a great number of differences between the divisions of bulbous plants, all are able to store enough nutrients to support part or all of the upcoming season's growth.

Get a large container with drainage holes in the bottom. A plastic planter is less likely to crack in winter weather and will need less frequent watering in the summer heat than terra cotta. Wooden half barrels are also attractive.

Put a layer of drainage material (rocks, pieces of broken clay pots) in the bottom of the container. Prepare the soil medium by mixing approximately one part compost to five parts light potting soil. Add soil mix to within 8 inches of the top of the container. Place larger flower bulbs such as tulips and/or daffodils at the 8-inch level. The bulbs can be positioned anywhere from 1-3 bulb widths apart, but they should not touch the sides of the planter. Read the planting directions that come with each bulb type to determine which end of the bulb should be facing up. Put about a teaspoon of bone meal under each bulb.

After the larger bulbs have been positioned, add approximately 3 inches of the soil medium (to within 5 inches of the top of the planter). At the 5 inch level, place a layer of smaller "bulbs" such as anemones, crocuses, grape hyacinths or mini daffodils. Again, position the bulbs several widths apart and away from the sides of the container. Add yet another 2-3 inches of soil medium. Finally, add an inch of mulch, or plant pansies on top for winter color. Water the soil thoroughly and be sure it remains moist over the winter. Place the planter in a cool spot alongside your house or apartment. At the first indication of spring or plant growth, move the container into a sunny location.

The flowers of most spring bulbs will rarely last more than two weeks. By carefully selecting different varieties of bulbs with differing blooming times (early-, mid-, late-season), you can have a continuous succession of spring blooms.

For more information on the bulb layering technique, contact the Netherlands Flower Bulb Information Center in Brooklyn, New York at (718) 596-5400 or visit their Web site at www.bulb.com

HOW TO DO IT

Recommended ages: 3 and up; younger children will need help

Estimated time: 30-45 minutes for planting bulbs; some ongoing maintenance