Pollinators are in decline across the UK, and your garden — however small — can genuinely make a difference. The good news is that creating a pollinator-friendly space doesn't mean sacrificing good looks. In fact, the plants that bees and butterflies love tend to be some of the most beautiful and reliable performers in any Warwickshire garden.
Choose single flowers over doubles. Double-flowered cultivars (like some dahlias and roses) look impressive but bees can't access the nectar. Single, open flowers are far more useful. When choosing at the garden centre, watch for a few seconds — if you can see the centre of the flower clearly, pollinators can reach it too.
Plant for succession. Aim for something in flower from February (hellebores, crocus) right through to October (sedums, asters). Pollinators need food throughout the season, not just in summer. Early and late flowers are especially valuable — a patch of crocus in February can be a lifeline for emerging queen bumblebees in Warwickshire.
Our top pollinator plants. Lavender, catmint (Nepeta), Echinacea, Scabiosa, Verbena bonariensis, Agastache, Borage, Phacelia, and any native wildflowers. All of these thrive in the Midlands climate and most cope well with our clay soils. Lavender in particular does well in the sunnier, better-drained gardens around Leamington Spa's Regency terraces.
Leave a patch wild. Even a small area of unmown grass with clover and dandelions provides enormous value for bees. You don't need a wildflower meadow — a 1m square patch is better than nothing. Let it grow from April to August, then cut it back and remove the cuttings. Over time, wildflowers will colonise naturally.
Avoid pesticides. Systemic pesticides can harm bees even when you don't spray the flowers directly. Try companion planting and physical barriers instead. Nematodes work brilliantly for slug control without any risk to pollinators, and a strong jet of water deals with most aphid problems.
Add water. A shallow dish with stones for bees to land on provides vital drinking water during dry spells. Place it near your flower borders and keep it topped up through the summer months. You'll be amazed how quickly they find it.
Want advice on making your garden more wildlife-friendly? We're always happy to suggest planting ideas during our visits. Call us on 07904 174399.