Gardens for pollinators and us
Our gardens aren't just for us! They can be a vital source of food and shelter for a whole host of buzzing and fluttering friends we call pollinators. From the familiar honeybee to the dazzling Elephant hawkmoth, these incredible creatures play an essential role in our ecosystem. By planting a pollinator haven, you can create a beautiful space that benefits both you and the environment.
Pollinators are responsible for transferring pollen between plants, allowing them to reproduce. This process is critical for not only the plants themselves, but also for the production of fruit and vegetables. In fact, a staggering 75% of our crops depend on pollinators! Sadly, pollinator populations are declining due to habitat loss and pesticide use.
I’ve picked out a few of the key plants that I included from my design for The Synthesis Border which appeared at the BBC Gardener’s World Spring Fair this year for you to try at home. The border showcased how we can share the same space with wildlife. It focussed on bringing together a range of habitats and plants that showed even in a small space it was possible to create homes for wildlife and still have a border which looks beautiful.
Geranium macrorrhizum, is an easy plant to grow. It’s tolerant of sun and shade, is semi-evergreen and the foliage picks up tints of red in the autumn. It caters for bees, beneficial insects, butterflies, moths and other pollinators.
Lonicera periclymenum ‘Belgica’ is an early flowering honeysuckle with scented flowers and attracts bees, butterflies, moths and caterpillars and then goes onto to produce berries which the birds enjoy.
Nepeta faassenii is another popular plant catering for long tongued bees, beneficial insects, butterflies, moths and many other pollinators. A dwarf version, so doesn’t flop like
Nepeta ‘Six Hills Giant’ does.
Ultimately, whatever you choose, variety is the best policy. Go for a mix of native and non-native, mix and match flower shapes, sizes and colours. This caters to a wider range of pollinators, with different tongue lengths and preferences. Select plants that flower at different times over spring, summer and autumn to provide a continuous food supply for pollinators.
Other things to try are opting for natural pest control methods rather than pesticides. Provide habitats by including rocks, logs and butterfly boxes. Avoid excessive tidying. Leaving some dead plant matter provides overwintering spots for beneficial insects like ladybirds.