Bulbs: Bulbs in place of annuals, 1 by DaleTheGardener

DaleTheGardener wrote:
I have seen a bulb border that was planted with smaller bulbs, muscari and crocus, and then had hosta (dwarf) for summer. That was in zone 4.

Another plant that you could use instead of aster is chrysanthemum. If you have a hard edge against the bed and lawn, like brick or metal edging, you shouldn't have an 'invasion'. I have seen a garden where they cut back the mums about once a month (until mid Aug), it looked very neat.

Using a different front of border plant, a summer annual, like marigold or low growing zinnia might work too. This is a type of plant that is easy from seed, produces lots of easy to save seed and can be seeded in and around the bulbs in spring. It would overgrow the drying bulb foilage.

Good luck.