Attract bees to the garden

Attract bees to the garden

» 28th May 2010 «

Research during 2009 showed that UK bee populations were in decline - a trend that seems to be replicating itself in the US.

Gather.com recently published statistics from the Xerces Society which show that the number of honeybees in the US may have halved since 1945.

The online resource is now aiming to help gardeners reverse the trend in their locality by employing smart growing techniques.

It suggested growing large flowers, as bees love these, but not to opt for those created by local breeders or non-native species.

Those who really want to help get bees back to their garden should plant at least three different species of local wildflowers.

The reason for this is that winged creatures prefer native plants and different kinds of bee emerge at separate points throughout the growing season.

Meanwhile, Horticulture Week recently reported that the show gardens at the Chelsea Flower Show have come in for criticism by a respected designer for being too commercial.

Posted by Martin Corby