What kind of bulbs and why do you want to lift them? If they are winter hardy in your area (be they spring or summer flowering), you can plant annuals right over the top of them. Also, what zone are you in?

Donna,

I live in zone 5/6. I want to lift the tulips as they are not supposed to be watered over the summer, (they enjoy being dry during the summer season) and I plan to have other plants in my flower bed...hence the problem. I remembered reading Old Country Garden's FAQ that you could lift them and just put them back every fall, and was curious about this. I could def use the space and put my botanicals in those spots during their "summer vacation".

If your soil drains well the tulips don't mind the summer water. If you want them out of your way you can lift them after they die back and replant in the fall. Al