Often one of the first of the spring bulbs to appear, it is not unusual to see the gorgeous star-shaped flowers of Scilla forbesii 'Violet Beauty' poking their heads just above a covering of snow. They're easy and undemanding, and if left in the ground, they will gradually spread to form a good-sized clump. They're also small enough for windowboxes or pots, and on a crisp day in late winter or early spring, the sight of them will give you a taste of things to come.