In winter, often a cold, dark time of year, we can all use a few reminders that the world isn’t dead, only sleeping, and that spring will eventually return.

One way to give friends and loved ones just such a cheering reminder is by giving flowering bulbs. Amaryllis and narcissus are so easy to grow indoors; with a just the bare minimum of care and attention they will bloom as if by magic, even if the snow outside our doors is knee-deep!

Even if you allow an amaryllis to wither away completely, you can cut the dead leaves off, put the bulb in a dark corner, and forgot all about it. Even a year later, you can take it out and water it—and watch amazed as it literally rises from the dead. What a great affirmation of the power of life!

You can buy single amaryllis bulbs for anywhere between $8 and $15. Follow the instructions that come with it, or simply place in a pretty container in a good potting soil and keep moist.

Narcissus bulbs, available for around $2 each, are lovely in groupings. Anchor five or six of them in a layer of pebbles inside a shallow bowl and keep the bowl filled with water. Most bulbs will begin to show green within a few days and will flower within weeks.