Plattsburgh, NY, Jan 03, 2011 — "Forcing" plants and bulbs to bloom is an easy way to bring spring fragrance and color into the house, long before the first spring flowers.

Cornell Cooperative Extension horticulturist Amy Ivy reviews how to handle the paper whites, amaryllis and other bulbs commonly given for holiday gifts.

Martha Foley got both for Christmas. She also got a surprise from her Christmas tree, the very top of a tall blown-down balsam tree. It's blooming, too. Among the lights and ornamments are dozens and dozens of spiky green flowers that would have turned into cones this summer.