The bees' needs

GET A BUZZ FROM HELPING THESE VITAL POLLINATORS

- DAVID DOMONEY

WHEN picturing wildlife-friendly gardens, the chances are you imagine buzzing bees darting between the flowers. And rightly so, because these tireless workers pollinate roughly 75% of the world’s major food crops.

In the UK, we have more than 270 species of bees, yet many are in steep decline. So there’s no better time to find ways to support these pollinators in your garden.

PLANTING FOR POLLINATORS

One of the easiest and most rewarding ways to help is by planting flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Go for open-centred varieties like single dahlias, echinacea, heleniums, and hardy geraniums. Double blooms are more difficult for bees to access.