3 tips to help create a bee friendly garden
31 July 2018
The UK’s wild bee population is considered to be in decline, but planting nectar and pollen rich flowers to create a bee friendly garden can help reduce this trend.
Bees are among the flying insects which visit flowers for their nectar and pollen, performing a vitally important pollination service.
Pollination is the process where pollen from one flower is transferred to another flower, bringing about fertilisation. While some flowering plants are pollinated by the wind, the majority are reliant on insects.
How to attract and support pollinating insects
- Try to populate your garden with plants that are attractive to pollinating insects in flower from early spring to late autumn. Winter flowering plants can also be beneficial.
- Avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers. These can lack nectar and pollen as well as proving difficult for insects for access.
- Avoid using pesticides on plants when they are in flower.