| Bumblebees are a welcome sight in any garden, the sound of their droning as they hover from flower to flower is all part of a summer’s day. The UK had 27 species, but sadly 3 are nationally extinct, and others are seriously threatened. The changes to farming practices have had a major impact in the numbers of bumblebees, the actual number of lowland varieties have halved since 1950. We often just think of bees being present in our gardens but it is in the countryside where their numbers are most prevelant and it is in the countryside where there are now far fewer flowers than there once were. Hedges have been grubbed up and marshes drained. Areas that were natural grassland have given way to fields for cereal growing. So, what can we do? Gardens have become important refuges for bumblebees and you can encourage them to visit your garden by following some simple tips. Bumblebees need a succession of flowers from spring to autumn, so there is always a food supply. Perennial flowers such as herbs and native wildflowers are ideal. Flowers are best planted in large groups - or patches - of the same kind, so the bees don’t have to waste valuable energy scouting around the area for more. A selection of flowers of different shapes (eg bowl-shaped, bell-shaped, lipped and tubular) will appeal to different species, as they have different tongue lengths. Bedding plants such as Petunias, Begonias, Busy Lizzies, French Marigolds, Pelargoniums, Pansies etc, aren’t appreciated by bees, nor are insecticides.These nesters will give bees a suitable nesting place, whilst this hasn't been sited as a cause of their decline it will help sustain them throughout the Winter. A beautiful Ceramic Bee Nester is a fully functioning nest for Bumble Bees. Beautiful in its appearance, it can help provide a safe and dry nesting site for these beneficial garden pollinators.The unique Pollinating Log designed to hang from a tree or bracket will provide a home for solitary bees and other over wintering insects. |
