I have been ordering a large number of bulbs from VE every year. Lilies from this supplier are not always true to name, though, but that's all right with me, because I wanted a large collection of Lilies for cut-flowers. The bulbs are huge and the customer service is exceptional. Can't beat the price either. And I have not had any problem with virus with VE's bulbs ---so far.

It can be useful to use a bulb basket for planting out if you have a small garden. It's a bit easier to locate the plastic container and reduce the risk of bulb kebabs on your garden fork...:-((. Then you can clear away the bulbs in time to plant up for a summer's display and watering regime. If you want to do this - be sure that the pots you use have very generous holes otherwise the daffs particularly will circle the pot many times before they find an exit. Not optimum for developing buds and reserves for the following year. Also - some Narcissus seem to be downright picky about flowering in pots more than once. (Jonquils. Tazetta.) Others, such as Tete a tete and Jetfire are quite uninhibited and multiply generously. The system you're proposing - lift and replant annually - definitely works in my zone. Make sure you select your bulbs for size and keep the smaller bulbs together for growing on. Tulips. Deep pots are better, IMO. They provide enough room for the droppers and the formation of the new bulbs. But I'd have to be very fond of the variety before I'd be excavating foot-deep holes.

That's why I always want spring to come each year so badly, as soon as everything greens up the garden turns unbelievably lovely. Plus you know how it is in spring, there is always something going on in the garden. Nancy, thank you for the ID on my double daff. I am going to leave it be, even though I remember it flopping on the ground last year also, because I think it is very pretty. I still can't believe I bought those uglies. Daffs are usually so pretty LOL! I think this will be a good year for lilies here as they are coming up all over the place with nice strong growth. I put about 12 groupings of extra fancy lilies in last spring and they should look really good this year. You know they take that first year to settle in. Plus afew more just singles or doubles of some more lillies. I do love lillies. I used to have a big stand of the Oriental lillies out front that these new ones are replacements for. Only the old stand was much larger than what I put in now. It will have to do this way I think as I don't feel it would look good if I extended the lily area over more. I have Tiger lilies too, old ones been here since I was a child. Were here when my parents bought the house.

For a large quantity of blooms to cut, you will probably be better off with annuals than with perennials, especially if you're growing them from seed. I grow mostly perennials and woody plants, but do have a few thoughts for you. Zinnias will grow and bloom quickly, but I find the water turns very smelly after just one day; so if you're going to arrange them the day before the wedding, that's a consideration. Cosmos also grow quickly, make good cut flowers, and should give you masses of blooms in colors ranging from white through pinks to deep red. Snapdragon is another quick grower, blooming in late spring to early summer. I hope someone will chime in with more suggestions for you. If not, perhaps try the Cottage Garden forum - there are lots of very friendly and experienced gardeners there from all over the country ... there's bound to be someone who grows annuals in your climate. Don't forget fillers (like baby's breath, gypsophila) and greens - you can choose from solid or variegated leaves, smooth or rough textures, large & bold leaves or long and narrow, even trailers like ivy, whichever best suits your arrangements and your fancy. A trusted friend to help with the arrangements sounds like a good idea. Have a wonderful time with the preparations and best wishes on your wedding day.