Gardening: How to create a bee-friendly garden - Is there a more evocative sound of the British was that the soft buzz of a bumblebee regularly making its way from plant to plant, collecting nectar? It is a summer band that is familiar to all of us, but if we want to continue to enjoy the sight and sound of bees in our gardens, so we must act quickly. According to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, the humble bumble bees is declining rapidly and needs our help to survive. The good news, however, is that there are very simple ways that we can all support the drone, we live in the countryside or the city. Continue reading to learn more.
The expert advice of
Lucy Rothstein, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Janine Pattison Janine Pattison Studios
Laara Copely-Smith Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape design
The expert advice of
Lucy Rothstein, CEO of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust
Janine Pattison Janine Pattison Studios
Laara Copely-Smith Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape design
Boscolo Interior design
where are all the bees?
The question really should be, where are all the meadows of wildflowers? The natural habitat of the bumblebee was disappearing at an alarming rate, which has had a drastic effect on the population of bumblebees. "Since the end of World War II, we have lost almost 97% of our rich grassland flowers," explains Lucy Rothstein
'drones leaving little to feed and causing their populations to plummet. "
So concerned are wildlife experts on the plight of the bumblebee Bumblebee Conservation Trust has been created to educate, help to sustain habitats and educate the public.
"We are passionate about ensuring the future of bees in the UK," said Lucy, and t he trust has the support of industry heavyweights such as Sir David Attenborough, Kate Humble and Chris Packham.
The question really should be, where are all the meadows of wildflowers? The natural habitat of the bumblebee was disappearing at an alarming rate, which has had a drastic effect on the population of bumblebees. "Since the end of World War II, we have lost almost 97% of our rich grassland flowers," explains Lucy Rothstein
'drones leaving little to feed and causing their populations to plummet. "
So concerned are wildlife experts on the plight of the bumblebee Bumblebee Conservation Trust has been created to educate, help to sustain habitats and educate the public.
"We are passionate about ensuring the future of bees in the UK," said Lucy, and t he trust has the support of industry heavyweights such as Sir David Attenborough, Kate Humble and Chris Packham.
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
So why do we need bumblebees?
Bees are a vital part of our food chain. 'As a vital pollinators of most of every day like tomatoes, beans and apples, our food security based on pollination service, "said Lucy.
"We need to protect [their natural habitat] and create gardens that provide nectar and pollen for them," agrees Laara Copely-Smith. "The decline of bees and can directly affect the natural environment and the production of foods such as fruits and vegetables.
A garden of honeybees continues Laara, will help the entire food chain 'to preserve our natural environment, and fertilize plants that produce seeds, fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes , strawberries and apples. "
Bees are a vital part of our food chain. 'As a vital pollinators of most of every day like tomatoes, beans and apples, our food security based on pollination service, "said Lucy.
"We need to protect [their natural habitat] and create gardens that provide nectar and pollen for them," agrees Laara Copely-Smith. "The decline of bees and can directly affect the natural environment and the production of foods such as fruits and vegetables.
A garden of honeybees continues Laara, will help the entire food chain 'to preserve our natural environment, and fertilize plants that produce seeds, fruits and vegetables, such as tomatoes , strawberries and apples. "
Claudia De Yong Garden Design
are the same as bumble bees?
No. It is easy to confuse the bees and bumble bees, but the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has set up an information sheet to identify differences.
The big visual difference is that bumblebees have fat and hairy body, while the bees are thinner and look like wasps.
But unlike crucial lifestyle, said the trust is that bees live in hives of up to 60,000 bees and are supported by beekeepers, while bumblebees live in wild in small nests up to 400 bees. As such, the destruction of wildflower habitats causes havoc in the population of bees, because they lose two flowers to feed on and places to nest.
No. It is easy to confuse the bees and bumble bees, but the Bumblebee Conservation Trust has set up an information sheet to identify differences.
The big visual difference is that bumblebees have fat and hairy body, while the bees are thinner and look like wasps.
But unlike crucial lifestyle, said the trust is that bees live in hives of up to 60,000 bees and are supported by beekeepers, while bumblebees live in wild in small nests up to 400 bees. As such, the destruction of wildflower habitats causes havoc in the population of bees, because they lose two flowers to feed on and places to nest.
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
what is a garden bee-friendly?
In other words, a garden that offers flowers throughout the year with pollen and nectar for bumblebees beekeeping is a friendly garden.
'A garden that is free of chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and herbicides should also be a consideration, "suggests Laara" as the chemicals in these will affect wildlife. "
pesticide use sparingly, and do not spray the flowers open," says Janine Pattison .
See our beginners guide to creating a green roof
In other words, a garden that offers flowers throughout the year with pollen and nectar for bumblebees beekeeping is a friendly garden.
'A garden that is free of chemicals, such as pesticides, herbicides and herbicides should also be a consideration, "suggests Laara" as the chemicals in these will affect wildlife. "
pesticide use sparingly, and do not spray the flowers open," says Janine Pattison .
See our beginners guide to creating a green roof
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape design
Which plants to choose?
Janine recommended for at least two types of honey-friendly plants for each flowering period "and suggested" planting clumps of friendly honey plants in sunny locations. Rather than dispersed or shade '
Trust Bumblebee conservation suggests a range of flowers for each season, including the following:
Spring Bluebell, bugle, California lilac, comfrey, crocus, dicentra , flowering currant, lungwort, mahonia, pieris, pussy willow, viburnum.
early summer Allium, columbine, borage, campanula, catnip, cotoneaster, geranium, thistle, poppy, snapdragon, sweet pea, thyme globe.
late summer Buddleia, cornflower, cosmos, echinacea, foxglove, honeysuckle, lavender, lupine, marjoram, nasturtium, sedum, verbena.
Janine recommended for at least two types of honey-friendly plants for each flowering period "and suggested" planting clumps of friendly honey plants in sunny locations. Rather than dispersed or shade '
Trust Bumblebee conservation suggests a range of flowers for each season, including the following:
Spring Bluebell, bugle, California lilac, comfrey, crocus, dicentra , flowering currant, lungwort, mahonia, pieris, pussy willow, viburnum.
early summer Allium, columbine, borage, campanula, catnip, cotoneaster, geranium, thistle, poppy, snapdragon, sweet pea, thyme globe.
late summer Buddleia, cornflower, cosmos, echinacea, foxglove, honeysuckle, lavender, lupine, marjoram, nasturtium, sedum, verbena.
Llama Group
Every plant I should avoid?
Trust Bumblebee Conservation advises against ornamental plants such as begonias and thoughts like these flowers often produce little or no nectar. Laara suggests an easy way to tell is to avoid most of the "double flowers and multi-petal flowers, because they often lack the pollen or have low pollen content."
Trust Bumblebee Conservation advises against ornamental plants such as begonias and thoughts like these flowers often produce little or no nectar. Laara suggests an easy way to tell is to avoid most of the "double flowers and multi-petal flowers, because they often lack the pollen or have low pollen content."
Joanne Alderson Design
How much does it cost?
The beauty of a garden honeybee is its affordability. "Garden owners just need to plan a bit more carefully to include honey-friendly plants, said Laara. But with a little planning, says Janine, "a garden of honeybees can be enjoyed on any budget."
The beauty of a garden honeybee is its affordability. "Garden owners just need to plan a bit more carefully to include honey-friendly plants, said Laara. But with a little planning, says Janine, "a garden of honeybees can be enjoyed on any budget."
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
Can I create an urban garden bee-friendly?
Yes. honeybee plants can be introduced in most areas, a plot in the city to a country garden, "said Laara. "You can plant in any suitable container, either a planter, window box or a vertical wall planting. It is right to be creative with space. "
'A window box to a garden without home can be a beautiful and productive substitute for all the lost bees habitats," says Janine.
Take a tour of the hangar and the award winning London
Yes. honeybee plants can be introduced in most areas, a plot in the city to a country garden, "said Laara. "You can plant in any suitable container, either a planter, window box or a vertical wall planting. It is right to be creative with space. "
'A window box to a garden without home can be a beautiful and productive substitute for all the lost bees habitats," says Janine.
Take a tour of the hangar and the award winning London
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape design
Take the quiz
Are you ready to join? You can know how your garden-friendly bee is taking this quiz compiled by Bumblebee Conservation Trust. It can then send you a customized list of 10 more flowers to add to help the bees more.
Are you ready to join? You can know how your garden-friendly bee is taking this quiz compiled by Bumblebee Conservation Trust. It can then send you a customized list of 10 more flowers to add to help the bees more.
Fenton Roberts Garden Design
what can I do?
You can help support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust by taking part in BeeWatch. Just take a picture of all kinds of unusual drones up in your garden and upload them to a dedicated website to help a national survey.
The most enthusiastic can also take part in regular BeeWalk to locate and save the bumblebee on a fixed route.
For more information on the two schemes to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
You can help support the Bumblebee Conservation Trust by taking part in BeeWatch. Just take a picture of all kinds of unusual drones up in your garden and upload them to a dedicated website to help a national survey.
The most enthusiastic can also take part in regular BeeWalk to locate and save the bumblebee on a fixed route.
For more information on the two schemes to the Bumblebee Conservation Trust.
Laara Copley-Smith Garden & Landscape Design
and finally ...
Did you know that if you find a sleepy bumblebee or stranded, you can help by making a very simple artificial nectar remedy to revive them? Mix equal parts of white sugar and warm water, then pour into a small container (such as a teaspoon) or sponge. Set two bees and artificial nectar near some flowers.
"It is essential to act now to save these iconic insects, charismatic and precious and help save the sound of the summer," Lucy said.
Tell us ...
do you have a garden bumblebee-friendly? Want to create one? Tell us or upload your photos in the comments below.
Did you know that if you find a sleepy bumblebee or stranded, you can help by making a very simple artificial nectar remedy to revive them? Mix equal parts of white sugar and warm water, then pour into a small container (such as a teaspoon) or sponge. Set two bees and artificial nectar near some flowers.
"It is essential to act now to save these iconic insects, charismatic and precious and help save the sound of the summer," Lucy said.
Tell us ...
do you have a garden bumblebee-friendly? Want to create one? Tell us or upload your photos in the comments below.