If you want to help encourage bees into your garden, it’s important to make it a welcoming space for them. Morris Hankinson, Managing Director of Hopes Grove Nurseries, says UK gardeners can help bees thrive with just five plants.
He said: “Despite interest soaring, bee activity often doesn’t match what’s flowering in our gardens and many people aren’t aware of the simple garden tasks that can protect them.
“If nectar isn’t available in March and early April, colonies can be weakened before the season has properly begun.”
That’s why it’s important to plant these plants before April, to give bees their best chance.
Goat Willow (Salix caprea)
These shrubs produce a pollen-rich catkin in early spring. Their early bloom makes them an important food source for queen bumblebees which begin to seek out sustenance in March as spring begins.
Honeysuckle (Lonicera periclymenum)
Highly fragrant and nectar rich, honeysuckle looks beautiful to humans and bees alike. It can grow up trellises or as shrubbery depending on what type you plant, and will fill your garden with a beautiful calming scent.
Lungwort (Pulmonaria officinalis)
These plants make great ground cover in your borders. They flower early and in abundance which is fabulous for any visiting pollinators.
Hawthorn (Crataegus monogyna)
Birds love the berries from hawthorn, and pollinators love their flowers so this is the perfect addition for a garden filled with wildlife. It makes a great hedgerow and blossoms in spring for a beautiful display.
Hellebores (Helleborus orientalis)
These plants flower through late winter and into early spring when nectar is scarce. This gives pollinators a welcome respite and will keep them coming back to your garden.
Comments are closed.