I'm on a mission to unravel and demystify the secret world of our garden pollinators and especially our bees. As a result I've written two books, which you might find interesting.
Plants and pollinators go hand in hand. They evolved together and need each other to exist. I've cherry picked some of the power plants for pollinators as well as some of our quirky and surprising pollinators. Hope you approve.
Since writing my books I've been sharing my passion with groups large and small. I prefer to do bee safaris and walks, using the plants and pollinators I find to tell their story. Come and join me at some lovely gardens and walk with me.
Hoverflies like the Tapered Dronefly (Eristalis pertinax) are important garden visitors
Bee balm is a magnet for bees and other pollinators.
Bee Bingo is a fun, interactive way of learning about our garden bees.
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
The small tortoiseshell butterfly is fairly widespread in UK gardens
Image: Jean Vernon
A nature table is a great way to show others the beauty of insects, pollinators and bees
Image: Jean Vernon
Wasps are not the bad guys. They are important pollinators and incredible natural garden pest control.
Look out for this extraordinary moth in your summer gardens. It hovers like a hummingbird but is actually a moth.
A really good late summer plant for pollinators is the globe thistle, Echinops ritro.
