I don't find it too much of a problem really, its all a question of timing I think.
The next thing to come up are some bluebells,allyssum saxatile, grape hyacinth which retains a bit of colour to the areas.
The other thing is the leaves (which are keeping the weeds at bay) are ready for cutting back just as I am ready to plant out my summer bedding. So from around February to November there is gnerally something on the go all the time.