Bees need flower power

WORLD Bee Day is on May 20 but there are ways to help our pollinating pals all year round.

Michael Perry, gardening expert for Rowse honey, has come up with a four-season planting and flowering calendar to try to get gardeners to replenish vital nectar sources for bees as part of its Hives For Lives programme.

“Nectar is not just for summer. Bees and other pollinating insects will be on the hunt at other times of year too,” said Perry.

Spring

Peony – Rich in pollen, and pollinating insects love their single blooms.

Magnolia - our buzzing buddies are drawn to the magnificent magnolia’s saucersized blooms, and love to snack on their sweet nectar.

Summer

Lavender – At home in a Mediterranean-style garden and in pots or as a low hedge for potagers, lavender produces pollen and nectar, making it a great food source for honey bees.

Foxglove – honey bees and bumblebees work together to pollinate this classic cottage garden favourite. A bumblebee creates holes in the side of the flower to make it easier for the honey bee to access the pollen.

Autumn

Aster – They’ll help honey bees build up reserves of pollen to get them through the winter.

Single-bloom dahlias – Go for the Happy Single Series over the other varieties such as pompoms or balls, which are less accessible to insects.

Winter

Winter aconite – these low-growing small tuberous perennials from the buttercup family produce bright yellow cup-shaped flowers which are good for ground cover and provide a burst of winter and spring colour under shrubs.

Crocus – Plant them in the sun so the flowers will fully open and make it easier for the bees to forage on the nectar. For more information on the Hives For Lives programme visit rowsehoney.co.uk.