There is no need to protect them from the cold at all. Just plant them at the recommended depth. Spring blooming bulbs are to be planted in the fall and go through winter in the ground...definitely not in storage if you want them to bloom in the spring.

I live in Chicago where the winter temperature drops well below freezing mark. I have daffodils, crocus and anemone in my garden for the 28 years I have lived in this house without any problem.

My garden usually looks like this most winters. Every spring, Daffodils, crocus and many other bulbs would bloom without fail.

{{gwi:25847}}

Agreed - they need no particular winter protection. As long as they are planted in well draining soil and at the proper depth, they will be fine.

Did you know the Skagit Valley - just a little further north of you - is the largest commercial bulb growing area outside of the Netherlands? ALL spring flowering bulbs thrive in this area.