All, The native 'bulb' flora of the British Isles has very low species diversity - due to factors including latitude, ecological isolation, and glaciation in relatively recent times - but does contain a number of attractive plants which, in my view, deserve a place in the garden. In the UK they do, however, tend to be taken for granted and are, hence, not all frequently seen in gardens. Many are suited to naturalistic planting, particularly in shady situations. A selection of for consideration is as follows. Common Bluebell (Hyacynthoides non-scripta). A very attractive spring flowering bulb with blue flowers on 6 to12 inch stems, particularly suited to summer shaded sites on neutral to acid soils. White forms are frequent in the wild and pink flowered plants are occasionally seen. The spectacular carpets of flowering bluebells seen in English deciduous woodlands create an effect that is difficult to repeat in cultivation, but they do look good when mixed with other spring flowers under shrubs such as deciduous azaleas. The plant is easy from seed. Snakes-Head Fritillary (Fritillaria meleagris). A local plant of water meadows (winter wet then summer dry) in the UK where it is the only native frit. and occurs in mixed populations of the purple and white form. Does well in pots, but looks best when grown in grass with other bulbs. Easy from seed and bulbs. Wood Anemone (Anemone nemorosa). Rhizomaceous perennial with delicate white flowers that are frequently tinged pink, and attractive ferny foliage. Does well in damp shade. A host of selections are in commerce at reasonable to extravagant prices. Some are expensive nonentities but the pale blue 'Robinsoniana' is a readily available and attractive alternative to the typical wild form. Black Briony (Tamus communis). One of the very few plants in the Yam family that is native to the temperate regions, the enormous perennial tuber produces annual climbing stems (several feet long) bearing glossy heart shaped leaves. The sprays of small yellowish flowers are inconspicuous but are followed by strings of brilliant shiny red berries which are unfortunately poisonous. The plant looks most effective when growing through hedges and evergreens. Other geophytes worth considering are Scilla autumnalis, a dainty autumn flowering species for the rock garden or alpine house, Gladiolus illyricus, a delicate alternative to G. byzantinus, and Colchicum autumnale, a reliable species for naturalising in grass. A number of other species are more dubiously native but exist as thoroughly naturalised populations in an apparent wild state. A typical example is the Snowdrop, Galanthus nivalis, believed to be introduced many centuries ago,which is gracing its diverse haunts at the time of writing. A quite beautiful flower, the plant is easy to establish in moist soils, tolerating both shade and sun. Plants can be planted 'in-the-green' or as dry bulbs. Whilst the latter can be equally successful, purchasing in-the-green (with flower!) is judicious if selected forms are sought. A large number of single-flowered varieties are in commerce, some of which are very good, as are a host of double-flowered variants. I regard the latter as hideously ugly, but many people clearly appreciate them judging by the extortionate prices they command in the trade and the attention they receive in the horticultural media!!! I would emphasise that all of the above are personal choices. Some readers may well regard some (or all!) of them as weeds. As always, in horticulture beauty is on the eye of the beholder! Regards Robin Attrill