Planting for bees in spring
Our gardens take up 400,000ha (approx 900,000ac) and substantially impact the lives of bees- both our own and the 270 species of wild bees. To ensure they are healthy and thriving, we must constantly provide them with nectar-rich flowers for their food supply year-round. But which plants should be used to create attractive garden displays while keeping our bee friends happy? A rule of thumb is simple: keep it basic with flowers and avoid any highly developed varieties. Different species of bees have distinct needs, but having a mixed variety of flowers available will keep them contesting. If you're looking for trees that can produce a surplus of nectar and pollen, pears, apples, plums, damsons or ornamental Malus spp. (Crab apples) and Prunus spp. (Cherries) are all good choices! Even smaller varieties planted on dwarf rootstocks will work in tight spaces; plus, they add an extra dimension to your garden, using up vertical space too!
Crab apples
Crab apples can be good for bees for a few different reasons. Firstly, crab apple blossoms produce nectar and pollen, essential food sources for bees and other pollinators. Bees collect nectar from flowers to make honey, while pollen provides bees with protein and other nutrients.
Secondly, crab apple trees typically bloom in the spring, which can be a critical time for bees. In many regions, spring is when bees begin emerging from their hives after a long winter and must quickly build up their food stores and nest populations. By providing a source of nectar and pollen early in the season, crab apple blossoms can help support bee populations during this vital time.
Gooseberry
Gooseberries are a type of fruit that grow from small lime-green flowers in the early spring. These flowers are an important nectar source for insects, as they bloom just before the main spring blossoms. However, it is recommended that you temporarily cover the plants with nets as soon as the small green berries start to appear. This is because blackbirds will start picking through the bushes and you may lose your crop. Instead, leaving some ripe berries at the end of the picking season to share with the blackbirds is a good idea. They won't eat the unripened green fruits, so it's a waste to let them eat those, they can have any overripe berries you don't need for cooking.
Willow
Don't forget-willow trees come in both male and female varieties. Although both genders produce nectar, it's only the males that provide pollen to those buzzing around them. Laburnum is a popular choice for home gardens; while this tree is perfect nourishment for bumblebees, honey bees are not so keen on its offerings. When I stand beneath my laburnum tree, the sound of thousands of wings beating above me fills the air – truly music to my ears!An uncommon yet remarkable tree is the Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree). With its distinct form and blanket of attractive pinkish/purple pea-shaped flowers, it has become a popular choice for many homeowners. Similarly, Prunus laurocerasus or laurel trees have been widely used in hedges due to their excessive nectar production favoured by honey bees. During late springtime, these single blooms are especially stunning as they attract buzzing insects, while lovely extrafloral nectaries beneath the leaves further draw attention from other species as well.
Cercis siliquastrum (Judas Tree)
The flowers of the Judas Tree are a source of rich nectar and pollen, making them a feast for bees and other insects in the early spring.
After the flowers, the tree leaves open up after the flowers and display a beautiful heart shape. As the flowers fade, seed pods become a striking plum colour as they ripen.
Like other plants in the pea family, the Judas Tree has roots that form a symbiotic relationship with nitrogen-fixing bacteria. This process helps to improve the soil quality for nearby plants.
Cercis siliquastrum trees originate from the Middle East and nearby regions.
Helleborus orientalis
Hellebores are a great source of spring nectar for honeybees, much like willow trees. They also make excellent plants for growing in shady areas of your garden. However, hellebores do not appreciate being transplanted, so it's best to plant them in a permanent location where they can be enjoyed by bees for many years to come.
Grape Hyacinth
Hyacinths are highly fragrant and have a stunning appearance, with a wide range of colours including blue, purple, pink, magenta, red, and white. They serve as a valuable source of nectar for bees and butterflies in the early spring.
These bulbs thrive in full sun and should be deadheaded after the flowers have bloomed to direct more energy to the bulb. When planting during the fall, make sure to plant them 6 inches deep and 6 inches apart. It's best to display hyacinths in large groups to make the most impact.
It's essential to be cautious when handling the bulbs, as some gardeners may experience allergic reactions.
Anemone blanda
Anemones are a fantastic source of pollen that add a beautiful range of colours to your bee garden from August to November.
March is the ideal time to stock up on bulbs and prepare the soil for late April and May planting. Bulbous plants are an excellent yet often overlooked source of nectar and pollen for honey bees, who adore these exotic flowers.
To prepare the soil for planting, turn it over and dig it down to a depth of 30cm to ensure proper aeration. This will help your bulbs to thrive and provide an excellent food source for bees.
Allium schoenoprasum
Alliums are attractive to pollinators and are particularly favoured by bumblebees, honeybees, and butterflies. Allium 'Globemaster' is an outstanding example of this, blooming in early summer with massive flowerheads composed of numerous purple flowers rich in nectar.
For bees, each of these giant flowerheads is a veritable feast, allowing them to replenish their energy levels without having to exhaust themselves by flying from flower to flower.
