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
My 2025 diary is filling up with some great events. If you want to host a special event where you think a bee safari or a bee walk or a bee talk would work do get in touch. My focus is on pollinators but especially our bumblebees (we have 24 species in the UK) and
Look out for the buff-tailed bumblebee in your garden.
Image: Jean Vernon
Lungwort is a power plant for pollinators offering an early and copious source of energy rich nectar.
On World Bee Day I’ll be in Wales celebrating all of our garden pollinators.
If you love herbs pay a visit to Jekka’s Herb Farm on an open day and learn about the herbs that are good for our pollinators
WInter flowers are essential for winter active insects. Mahonia is a great choice offering masses of scented, nectar rich flowers
At first glance this amazing creature looks just like a hornet. But look closer. It’s actually a fly, a harmless hoverfly that is a precious pollinator
Grow hellebores to feed winter active pollinators.