Forcing bulbs indoors is an easy way to enjoy spring blooms in winter. Almost any spring bulb can be forced indoors. Forcing is a widely used term which means you are fast forwarding their growing cycle to bloom in winter. Paperwhites, also called Narcissus papyraceus, are among the easiest bulbs to force since they do not require a chilling period. The fragrant flowers bloom within about four weeks of planting. Susan Duane You'll need:

• A container, 3 to 4 inches deep. If you are forcing the bulbs in water you can use a small bowl, vintage trophy, or another pretty dish would work beautifully. If you are planting in soil, choose a pot with a drainage hole in the bottom.
• Pebbles or potting soil to fill the bottom few inches of your container.
• Bulbs of your choice. I used paperwhites, like these grown by Jennifer of Dear Lillie, and tulips. Mine were purchased from Home Depot but they can be readily found online and at your local nursery.

1. Fill your container with a few inches of pebbles or dirt. Use bagged potting soil, or just go outside and scoop some pebbles and soil from your backyard. Susan Duane 2. Nestle the bulbs into the pebbles/dirt with the tips facing up.

3. Place a few pebbles/some dirt around to keep the bulbs in place. It's okay to place them tightly together. It'll help hold them up straight, and they look beautiful in bunches. Susan Duane 4. Add water, stopping just short of the bottom of the bulb. If the bulbs sit in water, the bulbs may rot. If using dirt, water enough to dampen the soil.

5. Place container in a cool (50 degrees or so) dark place until roots begin to form. My paperwhites took 10-14 days. Tulips may take up to 10 weeks. Keep adding water as necessary, filling to just below the bulb, or until the soil is completely damp. Susan Duane Last year I used dirt in terracotta pots for my paperwhites. I spray painted the pots black and wrote messages on them with chalk. It made for a fun display! Susan Duane Once the roots take hold, bring the container into a warmer room and place in the sunlight. When the paperwhites begin to bloom, move them to indirect sun. This will help the flowers last longer. The tulips will bloom beautifully with direct sunlight. Susan Duane Vintage milk glass vases were my choice this year. Here they are just beginning to peek out. I love the white milk glass with the white flowers. I used two of the containers on the buffet in my dining room. They should look like this after spending a week or two in the house. It's amazing how quickly they grow! dreamywhites.blogspot.com Maria of Dreamy Whites planted hers in shallow bowls. Once they grow taller, you may need to tie them together. I liked that she packed the bowl with lots of bulbs giving them a real presence. dearlillieblog.blogspot.com Jennifer of Dear Lillie used paperwhites in a vintage trophy for a simple, elegant holiday mantle. Paperwhites are part of the centerpiece for this stunning table. Because this is so easy to do, you can plan to do this anytime during the winter months bringing a beautiful, organic element to your table.

These potted bulbs also make for a nice gift, or a fun activity for your children. I hope you will give this easy, budget friendly project a try in your own home.

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