Bright Bubbly Garden

Hi all I'm looking to get in the garden when I have some time off next week. Fingers crossed the weather stays nice. I've recently bought my house so haven't had much of a chance to get in the garden and sort it out. I did plant some bulbs last year (daffs, tulips and Aliums) The daffs are up and others have started sprouting. I've got a border of soil that I need to do something with along the side of my lawn. My garden in North facing. I love anything bright and I want it looking full. I haven't got a massive amount of money to spend so I am on a budget. I have mainly stones at the front but also have some soil at the front which I'd like to do something with. That would be south facing I guess. I will plant loads of bulbs this year so that next year I have a lot more flowers. When will the daffs, tulips and Aliums last until? Will I get more and more flowers each year? Does it matter when I plant bulbs, should I do it when my flowers have died off? Thank you