Fall bulbs are planted in the fall and will break out in the springtime. With the barren limbs and the sun making it's way to the ground there should be no problem having beautiful flowers from bulbs in your shade garden in the spring.
You must take into account the amount of sun your area provides. Some require full sun full time.
When planting these bulbs make sure you plant them to the depth on the package. Give them good soil and some bone meal purchased at your local garden center.
One of the most exciting moments for a gardener in the spring is to see bulb plants bursting through the soil. It is well worth the work as well the wait.