(Photo: Kiyoshi Togashi)

Narcissus bulbs, better known as paper whites, are a lovely thing to have blooming in the living room to offset dark and rainy winter afternoons. Another boon this year: Their light, sweet fragrance will counter any unpleasant odors that might suddenly waft into town. Though they appear fragile, paper whites are easy to grow (making them a great kids’ project); a shallow dish, some gravel, a steady water supply, and you’ll have flowers in two to three weeks. The blooms last about ten days—even longer outdoors or in cool rooms ($50 per plant or $1.25 per bulb at Gramercy Park Flower Shop, 260 Third Ave., nr. 21st St.; 212-475-4989).