Water-grown hyacinth bulbs bloom early indoors

© Kimberly L. Jackson / At Home New Jersey

Indoor garden: A snowy vision of spring

In a backyard full of lingering, drifted snow, my hyacinths are bringing a welcome shot of early spring color. One in pink is in full bloom, as others are at various stages in opening.

I can smell their fragrance when I walk through the front door. This is not such a good thing, since I really dislke the smell of hyacinths. Their beauty more than makes up for that little issue, however.

Soon it will be time to bring in the tulips, crocus, narcissus and Sicilian honey garlic bulbs from the cold garage. All of which are similarly growing atop marbles or stones in plain water.

All those bulbs have pale sprouts. While I've successfully grown indoor tulips -- on water alone -- for at least four years. I am experimenting with the other bulbs for the first time this winter. I'll update soon!