Begin purchasing spring-flowering bulbs as soon as possible. They soon get picked over and sometimes put back in the wrong bins. A reliable local nursery is the best source of varieties that will do well in your climate zone, though some rare varieties can only be bought from catalogues or online.

Among hardy bulbs (the kind grown in winter climates) the best choices for Southern California are daffodils (Narcissus), hyacinths, Dutch irises (Iris xiphium hybrids), and tulips. In inland gardens add grape hyacinths — muscari. Crocuses are difficult to grow in Southern California, though Crocus vernus may succeed in inland valleys. Italian species crocuses, such as C. niveus, are rare but can naturalize in some gardens.

Look for daffodils with three or more divisions. Don't pull them apart. If they're still connected, each point will produce a bloom. Feel them gently to make sure they're firm to the touch; softness means rot. Hyacinths perform best and give the most bloom if you buy large bulbs. Tulips have to be bought yearly. Don't buy 'naked' tulip bulbs, ones that have lost their tunics (the brown papery skin); they might be dried out.

Take daffodils, hyacinths, tulips, crocuses, anemones, grape hyacinths, and ranunculus home but don't plant the bulbs yet. Getting them in the ground too early is a big mistake. Keep them cool and dry. The garage is usually a good place. Hyacinths, crocuses and tulips other than the lady tulip (Tulipa clusiana) need to be chilled beginning next month or in November for six to eight weeks, prior to planting, but you don't have to put them in the refrigerator just yet. Grape hyacinths, or muscari, don't need prechilling, but they usually don't grow well in coastal gardens. In interior zones muscari sometimes come back year after year. Narcissus, ranunculus, anemones, and Dutch irises need no prechilling.