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Plants for Pollinators
Learn all about what plants are best for Pollinators here!
#CrocusChallenge
Although we don't see a lot of pollinators about in Winter, we can still help them by preparing for them! One of the ways to do this is to plant bulbs ready for Spring. Our #CrocusChallenge aims to increase the number of crocuses planted across the UK - and is there anything cuter to see that a bumblebee snuggled up inside these flowers?
Crocuses are a great source of pollen and nectar early in the year. November is the perfect time to plant them - but you can plant up until Christmas if the ground isn't frozen (or you are planting in sheltered pots). The small bulbs should planted in well-drained soil in full sun, at a depth of three times times their own size; they can even be popped in above deeper-seated bulbs for successional flowers.
To take part in this challenge:
🌷Plant your crocuses
🌷When they bloom, share your photos on socials by tagging us and #CrocusChallenge or email them to us at buzzclub.uk@gmail.com
We will then share your photos on our socials and website!
Planting for pollinators
Many flowers are attractive to bees, with different types of bee varying in their preferences. In particular, long-tongued bumblebees such as Bombus hortorum tend to favour deep flowers, and of course short-tongued bumblebees such as Bombus terrestris prefer shallow flowers. Sometimes short-tongued bees rob deep flowers by biting a hole in the side of the flower so they can reach the nectar.
In general herbs and cottage garden perennials are good, and annual bedding plants are best avoided (because they have been intensively bred and have often lost their rewards or become so mishapen that insects cannot get in to them – also, many have been drenched in insecticides).
The following is a list from Dave Goulson-Guaranteed to attract bumblebees to your garden. Star ratings (*) are from 1 to 5, and reflect his view of how attractive they are to bees.