Close your eyes and think about spring. Breath deeply - if there's a rich, powerful scent in the air, you're undoubtedly smelling hyacinths. The perfume of these flowers is legendary and represents the olfactory essence of spring for many.

Cultivated for more than 400 years, current day hyacinths have large flower spikes and vivid colors that outshine those of the past. Hyacinths grow about a foot tall and stand rail straight. To avoid a stiff look in your garden, scatter them around in random patterns and mix them with plants that provide a soft silhouette, like oxalis and anemones. Or use a trick we've seen occasionally; plant three bulbs of different colors in the same hole and enjoy mini bouquets scattered throughout your garden.

Plant a few hyacinths this fall and make sure next spring arrives with full fanfare. (If you miss your chance, you won't get another for a year as these bulbs are available only in the fall.)