Herald - Issue 380

Page 58 • The HERALD • 24th October 2019 v SPEAK TO THE EXPERTS FOR THE BEST ADVICE v A J GLEESON BUILDING & GROUNDWORK DRIVEWAYS EXTENSIONS BRICKWORK GROUNDWORK BLOCK PAVING Colours & Designs to suit your requirements Local Work Available to View CALL FOR A FREE QUOTATION New Forest & Southampton 023 8084 4180 Mobile: 07770 771475 Bramdene, Main Road, Dibden, Southampton RYAN FENCING Quality Fencing & Gates 07769 706516 • 023 8084 1203 www.ryan-fencing.co.uk • Find us on Facebook Fred Hurst 023 8084 2191 or 07761 467217 • Grass Cutting • Garden Clearance • Hedge Cutting • Fallen Trees Cleared • Mini Digger Hire with Operator • Property Clearance • Small Demolition • Tractor Flail Cutting FULLY INSURED v FREE QUOTATIONS | DOWN THE GARDEN PATH | 8 Ways To Make Your Garden Bee-Friendly ere are around 270 species of bee in the UK and they have a huge role to play in pollinating the UK’s plants, helping them to grow, breed and produce food. So what can you do to help? O ering those fuzzy pollinators a place to nd food and rest could make a huge di erence and prevent further species from dying out. Listed below are eight owers that you can plant to attract bees to your garden, however large or small: 1. Crocus - ese tiny owers are o en one of the rst to push through each year, as spring arrives, and are a fantastic source of food for bees during the colder months of early spring. Honeybees mix the fresh pollen with honey to create bee bread which they then take back to the hive to feed the colony. 2. Lavender - bees have been found to love it too. is hearty plant should return to ower each year and is incredibly low maintenance. 3. Sun owers - ese dramatic owers are a timeless classic and will add an iconic look to your garden whilst creating a feast for the local bees. Sun owers can grow to enormous heights and act like a beacon for buzzing bees who can’t get enough of their delicious nectar and pollen. What’s more, once the ower is nished blooming you can save the seeds for planting later or add some to your dinner. 4. Zinnias - Zinnias are a honeybee’s favourite early autumn these pretty owers will add some delightful colour to your garden in the late season and keep the bees returning for months. 5. Echinacea - O ering a huge landing pad these owers attract bees in their dozens and unlike many owers this pretty species keeps producing large quantities of nectar all through the day. e bright colours add an extra attraction for our buzzing friends and will keep your garden looking vibrant. ese plants can survive very cold winters making them the ideal bee attractor for a British garden. 6. Iris - Other excellent choices for a bee-friendly environment are irises. eir beautiful purple and white colouring helps them stand out against foliage and attract bees. ese pretty little owers can ourish in shallow soil and even in light shade, making them the ideal balcony plants or perfect for gardens that have limited hours of sunlight, such as gardens in built up areas. 7. Rosemary - Some may be surprised to learn that before it ends up on the shelf in supermarkets this popular herb grows small purple blooms, which bees can’t get enough of. is delicious smelling plant makes a great addition to window boxes, so those with even the smallest amount of space can do their part to help the bees. As it owers all year round this lovely little plant provides a great snack for bees throughout the year. 8. Apple Blossom - If you are lucky enough to have an apple tree in your garden, you may want to spend some time observing which insects stop by for a visit whilst it’s in bloom – you might be in the presence of royalty. Apple Blossom is the favourite ower of queen bees, the bees responsible for laying eggs and keeping the population thriving. Enjoy the spring months trying to spot the royal visitor as she stops for her lunch. Bees are a crucial part of the eco system and gardeners should be doing everything they can to support them, whilst they carry out their important job of pollination. A simple window box with some easy-to-grow herbs like rosemary or a small planter to nurture irises can o er a tasty lunch spot for a busy bee and enable them to keep doing the great work they do. food. Low to the ground and o en found in an abundance of colourful wide petalled buds, these owers are sure to attract bees to your garden. Blooming in the late summer and