Monty Don has named three bee-friendly plants people should add to their garden now to help attract bees, as the Gardeners’ World presenter urges gardeners to help preserve the bee population
Monty Don gave some crucial plant advice (Image: PA)
Renowned TV gardener Monty Don has revealed three plants you should be adding to your garden right now if you’re looking to bring more bees your way.
Having fronted the much-loved Gardeners’ World on and off since 2003, Monty certainly knows what it takes to make a garden truly thrive.
Attitudes towards having bees in your garden have shifted considerably over the years. According to the presenter, most gardeners once had a “simple but remote” relationship with these insects.
People recognised that bees produced honey, but also that they could deliver a painful sting — meaning many preferred to keep them at arm’s length.
However, as Monty points out, the arrival of the varroa mite in the UK from Asia, combined with the widespread use of chemical pesticides, began to take a serious toll on the bee population, reports the Express.
One of Monty’s recommendations is planting dandelions (stock)(Image: Getty Images)
The US Department of Agriculture states that 75% of flowering plants, including fruits, nuts and vegetables, depend on creatures such as bees for pollination. Monty believes that gardeners are uniquely positioned to play their part in protecting these vital insects.
Writing in the latest edition of BBC Gardeners’ World Magazine, he says: “By planting a good selection of pollen-rich flowers, we gardeners can help to halt their decline and mitigate the depredations of agriculture.”
Monty notes that the origin of the plant matters little, provided it offers bees pollen and/or nectar and remains sufficiently accessible to the insects. However, the evidence suggests they show a preference for native or even locally-sourced plant species, with three particular plants recommended for gardeners to consider adding to their outdoor spaces.
Monty Don advised people who want to attract bees to their garden(Image: CREDIT LINE:BBC / AHA Productions Ltd / Alexandra Henderson)
Monty adds: “Gardens should be a rich source of food and habitats for all kinds of bee, and with a little care can be made even better for them without any loss of pleasure to the gardener.
“Plant a wide range of flowering plants, including natives such as hawthorn and willow, and give a place to dandelions and other easily accessible flowers.
“Do your best to provide a sequential supply from early spring to late autumn. Include as many flowering shrubs, hedges or small trees as you can to provide windbreaks and shelter. Leave sunny sites as open as possible, and ensure these are filled with nectar-rich flowers for as much of the year as possible.”
Monty rounded off with a word of warning for gardeners, urging them to steer clear of pesticides, which can prove devastating for bee populations.
Hawthorn can also attract bees (stock)(Image: Getty Images/iStockphoto)
Separately, Monty recently revealed why he always leaves one section of his lawn “bare”. Well known for his spectacular garden, it has become central to his professional life, serving as the filming location for the BBC’s Gardener’s World for the past 15 years.
With various areas of his garden having featured in his work over the years, it’s hardly surprising they’ve become more closely associated with his career than personal enjoyment. As a result, the presenter has disclosed that he maintains a lesser-known section of his garden that demands minimal upkeep, allowing him to strike a balance between the demands of his garden and his own personal enjoyment of it.
“I made this walk/lawn deliberately as a calm, green space to buffer and balance the business of the cottage garden and the intensity of the jewel garden,” he explained.
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