Properly managed bulbs are the most dependable bloomers you can grow. Planting in your yard will require the least diligence on your part. Daffodils should do wonderful for you and multiply over the years never failing to bloom as long as they get full sun. Gladiolus likewise. Tulips grown as an annual and chilled for at least six weeks will be dependable bloomers. Nothing expensive or exotic here. They all can be grown in containers, but will require careful choice of potting mix and frequent hand watering and fertilizing. Al

If you are in California, I would not recommend tulips. I have never had a daffodil return in my garden either. I believe the summer watering may rot them. Who knows.

You will have best success with your plan if you choose South African bulbs to plant with your cactus. I would choose Amaryllis, Hippeastrum, gladiolus, and any other bulb that requires summer dry and winter wet.

If you want to really get into exotics in pots you should build a greenhouse and replicate the native conditions of that particular bulb. Here is a link that has good information.

Renee

Here is a link that might be useful: TelosRareBulbs

Israel has a wonderful native flora of bulbs/corms/tubers. Have you considered species tulips, crocus, cyclamen, colchicum, narcissi, iris and anemones etc of types similar to the native flora (but NOT taken from the wild) and planting them in the ground rather than in pots? I think you could have a glorious spring show using plants adapted to your climate. If the dog is still a problem you can put pieces of wire netting over the bulbs and just below the soil surface to stop them getting dug up.

Lachenalia?