Flowers from flower bulbs can be used in two ways: you can leave them in the ground so that they (possibly) come back, or you can harvest them with the bulb and all for a vase or bouquet. Both options have their charm – it depends on the type and your plans for the garden.
If you leave the bulbs in the ground, it is important to let the foliage die off slowly. This allows the bulb to store energy for a new bloom. However: not all flower bulbs come back every year. Botanical tulips, daffodils, blue grape hyacinths and ornamental onions are good examples of species that you can have come back year after year with a little care. Many large tulip varieties (such as double or fringed tulips) on the other hand are often less reliable as permanent returners - they give the best result in the first year.
If you harvest your flowers with bulb and all, you will get an extra long vase life and a special, natural look. Ideal for picking gardens or field bouquets. Keep in mind that you remove the bulb and therefore have one flowering.
If you want to enjoy your bulbs for a long time, choose varieties that are suitable for naturalising – and give them a spot where they can quietly do their thing.