Underplanting Spring bulbs

Hi,

I'm planning a bulb garden and the typical tulip perennial underplantings such as -

Forget-me-Nots
Anenomes (ex. Greek Windflower)
Scilla (ex. Siberica Spring Beauty)

won't work in my area (Zone 9, San Jose, CA - full sun). Please correct me if I'm wrong on this.

It seems that my choices come down to Violas/Pansies.

In the Western Garden book, they list many Violets and Pansies and in particular they state that there are too many Pansy strains to list. I'm interested in primarily a solid dark blue or purple color. Anyone know what the best variety is for this purpose? They do mention "Sprite Mix" as as a ground cover Pansy, 4-5" high with 2" blossoms but I can't find any pics on the web.

Thanks

will violas work there?

Violas work well with my bulb patch, about 100 miles north of you.

Found a picture - looks perfect!

http://www.bbc.co.uk/gardening/plants/plantprofile_viola.shtml

Thanks

I grew Anenomes in Fremont, just up the road from you. They came back year after year, although after a few years I would have to add a few more in as they would slowly decline.

My Mom's pansies in Redwood City would bloom off and on all winter. They re-seeded themselves with wild abandon. They pretty much bit the dust when the 90*F weather hit, though.

Annie's Annuals in Richmond (yep, a little far from you, but WELL worth the effort) has dark ones and ANYTHING else you want. I spend way too much money there. An addiction.
Look them up at Anniesannuals.com.

Oh, my, our corporate office is in Corte Madera and I have to go through Richmond from the Oakland Airport next month...hmmmmmmm... hmmmmmm... I am already over budget for this year (but only a little!) ... hmmmm... this could be bad news for my pocket book! Do you think my company would let me expense a visit to her place?

Absolutely, kmom! That's how companies keep their employees happy, don't you know.

I'm in Berkeley. Zone 9a (I think). Anenomes and almost anything else grows with my bulbs.