It finally feels like spring might have arrived. The sun is shining and the garden beckons but the deadlines aren’t weather sensitive, so I must remain indoors writing while the bumblebees forage among the early flowers.
This weekend I’m doing a talk at the local bee-keeping group about planting for bees. It’s been such a slow, cold spring that many colonies have struggled to find enough food to see them through. Even natural beekeepers have had to feed their bees during this period to help them to survive. But as gardeners we can do a lot to support these beautiful and essential creatures by planting appropriate plants.
Unlike most bumblebees, honeybees do forage throughout the year, flying out on warm summer days in search of pollen, nectar and also resin. In late spring, summer and early autumn there are plenty of plants in flower to support most colonies, but it is the winter and early spring when they struggle.
Surprisingly just a few carefully selected trees can provide a huge amount of pollen and nectar for bees. Early in the year trees like alders, blackthorn, hazel and single flowered cherries can all play a major supporting role for these amazing creatures. So next time you are at the garden centre, think of the bees before you buy and choose something that will look nice in your garden, but provide some sustenance for these foraging pollinators.
