Before I planted all bulbs in fall I sprayed them with Bonide Repels All which doesn't specifically list squirrels as one of critters it deters but might be worth a try. I also got medium guage steel wool and stretched it around bulbs to deter diggers in case the nasal irritation of spray didn't work. I did this to crocus bulbs even though everything I read said critters wouldn't bother them but I wasn't taking any chances. It was extra work and I certainly didn't plant nearly as many bulbs as you do but might be worth a try. Squirrels here have seeds to keep them busy that are scattered for birds to eat. They haven't even dug in the 8 containers of bulbs I planted up. Like I said...they have enough other dining options for eating but they're probably "playing" with your bulbs which makes the "why" of it a moot point in trying in stop them! Now that bulbs seem relatively safe from critters for the winter I'm grappling with how to keep rabbits, groundhogs and chipmunks from eating bulb greenery before anything gets to bloom! I included tulips regardless of the fact that everyone told me it's a losing battle to try and keep critters away from them. Haven't had a tulip in years but it's worth a shot...of all kinds of repellant sprays.

Crocus tommasinianus is one of many species of Crocus and one of the most well known. Several varieties have been selected for color variations and most bulb companies offer them. The most common ones you will find, are: Barr's Purple Ruby Giant Whitewall Purple Lilac Beauty Roseus and the species (C. tommasinianus) Other species and their varieties that are common. are: Crocus siberi Crocus chrysanthus The species Crocus bulbs are usually smaller than the Giant Dutch hybrids, but produce more flowering stems, with smaller flowers. They also multiply more rapidly. Usually cheaper, too! We have a local Dutch importer, that has just received their shipment of bulbs. Went there early Sun AM and stocked up on Tulips, Daffs and Crocus.They didn't have Leucojum this year. Said the pricing was too expensive in Holland. Rb

Crocus tommasinianus is a species of Crocus and blooms earlier than the Giant Dutch hybrids. There are several varieties(colors) available, 'Ruby Giant' is one of them.(see link below). The bulbs of the species Crocus will typically be smaller than the Dutch hybrids, but will produce more flowering stems from each bulb and the flowers are somewhat smaller. Two other species that are usually available, are C.sieberi and C. chrysanthus. Each has a number of varieties available. Click on the species link at the bottom of the page linked below, for a listing of available varieties and some photos. You can extend the flower display of your planting, by mixing species with the Dutch hybrids, which bloom about 2 weeks later. Planted mine in drifts, with several of one variety grouped together for visual impact. Added 200-300 bulbs each year and now have more than 2000 in my lawn, near the house. Will probably add about 200 more this fall, as the local Dutch bulb importer has just received their shipments. Planning to start another drift, in a different part of the lawn, nearer the street. May not be a wise decision, as the school kids like to pick flowers, when they walk by! Rb Here is a link that might be useful: Crocus tommasinianus

Daffodils and crocus are tough, you will probably even get some blooms from the daffodils this year. I don't think you'd have any problem planting some annuals on top of the bulbs. The only trick with bulbs of all sorts is that they never like to get soaked, don't plant them where water puddles, now or in the Winter.