SEE YOU LATER POLLINATOR

PLANT BEE AND BUTTERFLY-FRIENDLY BULBS NOW FOR A HAPPIER SPRING GARDEN

- DIARMUID GAVIN

ONE of my favourite jobs every year is planting bulbs in autumn.

Bulbs are one of the easiest plants to grow. These magical parcels contain everything the plant needs to mature and, when planted in the right conditions, delight in spring.

Generally they prefer soil that is not waterlogged so if your soil isn’t free draining, consider planting in pots instead or at least put some grit beneath the bulbs to aid drainage. And remember the rule of thumb is to plant them at a depth of two o1 three times their height.

Spring bulbs are a valuable source of early nectar and pollen for our pollinating insects such as bees, hoverflies and butterflies, providing sustenance, along with spring-flowering shrubs, plants and trees.

The pollen contains protein that helps them produce eggs and reproduce and bees will also use it to feed their young.