Green-fingered Brits are being encouraged to welcome bees into their gardens to support plant reproduction and biodiversity.
Experts at GardeningExpress.co.uk have named seven bee-friendly plants gardeners can grow this spring to attract pollinators.
Bees are very beneficial in the garden because they’re efficient pollinators, helping plants set fruit and produce seeds.
To make gardens thrive, experts are advising gardeners to incorporate nectar and pollen-rich plants, creating perfect habitats for bees.
This will also help with bee conservation, as their populations are declining due to habitat loss and excessive pesticide use.
Among the bee-friendly plants that gardeners can grow are vibrant flowers such as bluebells, cornflowers and foxgloves, as well as herbs like rosemary and lemon balm.
Chris Bonnett, the founder of GardeningExpress.co.uk said: “Bees are one of our best allies in the garden as they help plants set fruit, produce seeds and flourish.
“It doesn’t take much to turn your garden into a haven for bees – simply add some nectar-rich plants to your garden beds to attract these beneficial pollinators.
“You can opt for easy-to-grow options like lavender, foxgloves and bluebells that are ideal for bees and won’t take too much effort.
“Certain herbs can also attract pollinators while doubling as useful additions to your kitchen.
“Alternatively, you can also leave a part of your garden to grow wild to welcome bees and other beneficial insects to your garden.”
Here are seven bee-friendly plants to add to your garden:
1. Bluebells
Bluebells are rich in nectar, making them perfect for pollinators. Their beautiful bell-shaped blooms and blue and purple hues also make them an attractive addition to flower beds.
2. Foxgloves
Foxgloves are great for attracting bees because of their tubular shape. They provide food for long-tongued bees, such as the garden bumblebee.
3. Lavender
Plants that have purple flowers such as lavender attract bees because they see this colour more clearly than others. Lavender provides lots of nectar and also adds a pleasant scent to gardens.
4. Cornflowers
Cornflowers are low-maintenance wildflowers that attract bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects. Cornflowers have vibrant blue blooms which are perfect for adding more colour to your garden.
5. Rosemary
Rosemary produces nectar and pollen-rich flowers that are a magnet for bees. Besides attracting pollinators, it’s also a useful kitchen staple that gardeners can use to enhance their meals.
6. Lemon balm
Lemon balm is a bee favorite, thanks to its sweet, citrusy fragrance and tiny white flowers. This easy-to-grow herb is also perfect for making soothing herbal teas.
7. Single-flowered dahlias
Gardeners should opt for single flowers as double flowers have many petals, making it hard for bees to reach the pollen in the centre. Dahlias are very popular among gardeners, but if you’re looking to attract bees, make sure to grow single-flowered dahlia varieties.
