What to plant in your garden to attract bees and other pollinators.
However large or small your garden, or whether it be in pots on a patio, there are lots of plants you can add which will be of benefit to our little friends.
With a lot of their natural habitat destroyed, we can help pollinating insects by choosing the right kind of plants for them.
It’s not just plants that are important, they also need water to drink.
Bees are most attracted to open centred plants. Blousy, frilly flowers look nice, but pollinators cannot get inside to access nectar and pollen.
Sadly, most of the UK has very few meadows left now. If you have enough space for one, and it doesn’t have to be big, there are wild flower seed suppliers on line with a range of seed to suit all types of soils.
Early Spring
The earth breathes a sigh of thawing, Tiny shoots pierce the slumbering soil, A hopeful green begins to unfurl.
- One of the earliest flowering bulbs are Snowdrops and Crocus
- Some of the smaller varieties of daffodils
- Dandelions are a good source of forage for bumblebees, so keep some in your lawn
- Appleblossom and other fruit tree blossoms
- Hazel catkins
- Bluebells
- Cowslips
Spring
A riot of colour erupts in petals, Sun-drenched days encourage vigorous growth, The world awakens in buzzing delight.
- Grape Hyacinth
- Lesser Celandine
- Comfrey
- Forget me not
- Campanula
- Muscari
- Ribes – flowering currant
Early Summer
Longer days bathe the greenery in light, Young fruits begin to swell on branches, A gentle warmth settles over the land.
- Bugle
- Honeysuckle
- Chives
- Alliums – the lovely tall varieties are a magnet for bees
- Cranesbill – hardy geranium
- Sallvia
Summer
The sun reigns high, a golden sovereign, Bountiful harvests ripen under its gaze, Life thrives in the season of fullness.
- Clover
- Cornflower
- Open centred roses such as the dog rose and Rosa Rugosa varieties
- Lavender
- Nepeta – catmint
- Red hot Poker
- Bergamot
- Hollyhock
- Rosebay willow herb
- Buddleia
Late Summer and Autumn
A golden haze softens the vibrant hues, Seeds mature, holding the promise of next year, Nature begins its slow, graceful descent.
- Rosa Rugosa species are open centred with a delightful perfume and very attractive to pollinators.
- In late summer and through Autumn, butterflies and birds feed on the lovely tomato hips.
Autumn
Leaves ignite in a final, brilliant blaze, Crisp air carries the scent of harvest and decay, The earth prepares for a long, quiet rest.
- Mint
- Mahonia
- Ivy – this is one of the latest flowers for pollen and nectar
- Heather
- Knapweed – (late summer into early Autumn)
Winter
A hushed world draped in frost and snow, Bare branches sketch stark beauty against the sky, Life slumbers, awaiting spring’s gentle touch.
- Gorse
- Hellebore
- Ground Ivy
Trees
There are lots of tree and hedge, bee friendly plants, so worth thinking about if you have the space in your garden.
- Hawthorn
- Cherry
- Goat Willow
- Hazel
- Rowan
- Lime
- Plum
- Horse Chestnut
- Apple
- Blackthorn – can be invasive, but excellent for a variety of insects.
Many of the above plants and smaller trees can be grown in containers. Potted herbs such as Oregano, Marjoram and flowering Thymes are also very attractive to pollinators.
A comprehensive leaflet is available from the Welsh Beekeepers’ Association. Visit www.wbka.
We hope our suggestions are of help, but should you need further advice, please contact us through our website.