POLLEN POSITIVES
I had a great response from sharing the fact that when honey bees have been visiting snowdrops, you can see the orange pollen collected in the little pollen baskets on their legs.
So I thought I’d share one of my favourite things – the Pollen Identification Card. It is a little reference card showing the colour of the different pollens collected by bees throughout the year.
If you notice what colour pollen is on the bee’s legs, match it to the card and you will
know what plant, tree or shrub they have been visiting.
I have checked various websites and it seems that the cards have been upgraded and laminated since I bought mine, so aren’t exactly the same as the photo.
The principle and information is the same. Find out more at www.northernbeebooks. co.uk/products/kirk-pollen-identificationcards/
Northern Bee Books also stock a great selection of second hand bee books. Just saying!
Find out more about Lynne at www.lynneallbutt.co.uk
Q
ACan you recommend some grass plants for a border please?
I think grasses work beautifully when threaded through a flowering border. They came in all shapes and sizes, and flower at different times of the year.
My favourite is Japanese fountain grass, Hakonechloa macra, as the long leaves form an elegant mound-like shape and turn yellow in autumn.
Pennisetums are always great too as they have gorgeous fluffy flower heads, or for something delicate, Stipa tenuissima is a compact grass that will bring a touch of gold to your borders. In general grasses are best in open sunny postions.