Perfect for pollinators

This year Dundee City Council’s garden showcase will promote plants that are good for pollinators, as well as biodiversity in general. Although native plants are fantastic for wildlife, there are many garden plants which are also wonderful for pollinators (bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other insects) and other wildlife.

Gardens are known to support good numbers and a wide range of pollinators, but worryingly bees and other pollinators are considered to be in decline. There are many reasons for this, including the lack of flowering plants, loss of nest sites and other habitats, as well as climate change, pests and diseases. Much of this has been linked to modern farming practices and other land use changes.

However, gardeners can make a difference to reverse this decline. The Royal Horticultural Society have five steps to support pollinators in gardens:

1. Fill gardens with RHS plants for pollinators and make sure there are plants which have rich nectar sources throughout the year, not just in summer.

2. Allow lawn ‘weeds’ to flower, by cutting less often. Clover is great for bees.

3. Provide water for pollinators and other wildlife. Make sure ponds have an easy access for amphibians.

4. Avoid using pesticides wherever possible and never spray open flowers.

5. Provide nest sites for wild bees – for instance, holes in walls or in the ground.

More information about plants for pollinators can be found at rhs.org.uk