If you grow runnerbeans you need bumblebees. It takes a big strong bee to force open the flowers and reach in to drink the nectar. As the bumblebee climbs into the flower, pollen is attracted to its hairy, fluffy body. Then as the bumblebee moves to the next flower it takes the pollen with it.
A few late flowers can make all the difference to pollinators still completing their lifecycle
Lungwort is a power plant for pollinators offering an early and copious source of energy rich nectar.
WInter flowers are essential for winter active insects. Mahonia is a great choice offering masses of scented, nectar rich flowers
Grow hellebores to feed winter active pollinators.
Agastache is a great pollinator plant that is rich in nectar
Bee balm is a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
Borage is a great pollinator plant. It’s so easy to grow from seed and has nectar rich flowers.
If you grow lamb’s ears you might be lucky to see the Wool Carder bee in your garden. If you don’t grow lamb’s ears it’s time to plant some.
Image: Jean Vernon
A really good late summer plant for pollinators is the globe thistle, Echinops ritro.