I'd look at Crocus and Chionodoxa, plus Anemone coronaria, if you have somewhere to raise them over winter.

Some of the Galanthus are nice and the leaves aren't hugely conspicuous as they fade away. (A touch of hope in the middle of winter. My earlies are out just now.)

If you have a semi shady spot you might also consider Anemone blanda which spreads by seeding, not bulb increase, and Anemone nemorosa.

Some of the miniature daffodils, such as Hawera and Snipe, can fill a useful place and decently die down as the perennials are coming into leaf or flower.

Iris reticulata has a long flowering season for me and although the leaves are long, they're not problematic.

Might not fit in your zone - beware Narcissus Earlicheer and the paperwhites: first into leaf and last to go.

Not quite a bulb - yet very useful for a sun-baked and poor soil area - Iris unguicularis. Only trouble is - the slugs are also out and looking for feasts in the middle of winter. But the flowers are delightfully scented and a lovely blue-purple.

If they're hardy for you - Cyclamen coum planted in drifts under maples or fruit trees - deciduous trees can be delightful in autumn and into early winter.

Thank you so much for all your help!!