Pollinators

Bringing Pollinators Back to Our Gardens

Walking through the nursery on a sunny morning, watching bees busily moving from flower to flower, we are often struck by how vital these small creatures are to our gardens and food supply. Sadly, these essential garden helpers face a worrying decline, largely because their pollinator habitat is disappearing. The good news? Your garden can become their sanctuary and help restore life through plants.

Many gardeners believe creating a pollinator-friendly space simply means dotting a few flowering plants around the garden. The truth is rather more fascinating. From industrious bees and delicate butterflies to the often-forgotten moths and beetles, each pollinator needs different plant species throughout the growing season. The Royal Horticultural Society recognises this challenge and has carefully chosen specific plants that provide rich sources of nectar and pollen grains from the first hints of spring through to late autumn.

We’ve spent years watching wild pollinators in our own garden, learning which wild plants draw them in and what keeps them coming back. Through this guide, we’ll share how you can fill your garden with the gentle hum of busy pollinators. You’ll discover our favourite flowers for attracting different beneficial insects, tricks for keeping blooms going year-round, and practical ways to create perfect pollinator spaces. Whether you have sprawling borders or just a few containers, every flower patch makes a difference to these remarkable creatures and British wildlife.

Spring Awakens Our Pollinator Friends

The first warm days of spring always fill us with excitement as we watch queen bumblebees emerging from their winter sleep. These drowsy queens need immediate sustenance, and choosing the right plants for butterflies and bees can mean life or death for these precious pollinators.

We’ve found that early spring bulbs are absolute lifesavers for newly awakened bees. Crocus varieties, particularly Crocus tommasinianus, are amongst the first to pop up in February, offering rich nectar and pollen grains. On particularly warm spring days, We've even spotted sleepy bumblebee queens using these flowers as overnight shelters.

Our favourite early-season bulbs include:

- Grape hyacinths (Muscari) - their tiny bluebells are magnets for bumblebees and bee flies from April

- Snowdrops - these brave little flowers feed honeybees on mild winter days

- Winter aconites - their golden blooms welcome the first butterflies of the year

Trees and Shrubs

In early spring, we're always struck by how valuable flowering trees and shrubs are for pollinators. Willows (Salix species) are particularly special - different varieties flower over many weeks, creating an extended feeding period. Here's a fascinating bit of willow wisdom - while both male and female trees produce nectar, only the males offer pollen.

Cherry trees (Prunus species) and apple trees have become firm favourites in our nursery. The Japanese Mahonia puts on a brilliant show with its bold yellow flowers, while flowering currants produce the most beautiful deep pink blooms that bees simply can't resist.

Herbs That Bring the Bees 

We are constantly amazed by oregano in our herb garden. The nectar is so rich - up to 80% sugar content - that we often watch bees actually queuing up above, moving from garden flower to flower, waiting their turn to feed. Wild marjoram creates the most beautiful drifts of pinkish-white blooms, and watching the parade of bumblebees and honeybees visiting throughout summer brings me so much joy.

Chives have also become a particular favourite of us - not only do their purple pom-pom flowers draw in bumblebees and mason bees, but they're brilliant for adding that oniony punch to summer salads.

Reliable Annual Stars

While perennials form the backbone of our pollinator garden, annuals provide that crucial continuous nectar supply. Cosmos has proven itself time and time again, flowering faithfully from June until the first frosts catch us. Phacelia holds a special place in our heart - and we're not alone, as bumblebee expert Professor Dave Goulson calls it 'the single most attractive plant for bees on the planet'.

Our tried-and-tested annual favourites include:

Borage - its vivid blue stars are simply irresistible to bees and butterflies alike

Common sunflower - though do avoid the pollen-free types, as they're rather like offering empty promises to our buzzing friends

Common marigold (Calendula) - not only beautiful but helps keep those pesky garden pests at bay

A little tip we've learned over the years - keep those annuals well-watered when newly planted and, once they start budding, treat them to a high-potash feed. We spend a few minutes each evening deadheading my cosmos and marigolds - it's rather therapeutic, and the pollinators reward me with weeks of extra blooms.

Winter's Secret Garden

People often look surprised when we tell them about winter-flowering plants. Winter honeysuckle (Lonicera fragrantissima) has been a particular revelation - on mild winter days, its cream-white blooms fill the air with fragrance and attract those brave winter-active bumblebees.

Our winter garden wouldn't be complete without:

- Christmas rose (Helleborus niger) - their large white flowers are like beacons for winter bees

- Winter aconites - beautiful butterflies love these golden blooms.

 -Winter-flowering heathers - they've transformed my winter containers into pollinator pit-stops

Nature's Pantry
The garden offers more than just nectar during the lean months. We've noticed how berries from cotoneaster, holly, and ivy become vital food sources. It's rather wonderful how nature stocks her larder with seeds and berries through autumn.

Homes for Our Underground Friends 

We were fascinated to discover that most of our British native bees - about 70% of them - nest in the ground. These industrious little creatures need patches of bare, well-drained soil where they can dig their elaborate tunnel systems. They're quite particular about location, preferring sunny, south-facing spots for their underground nurseries.

The rest of our native bees - about 30% - prefer life above ground. We've watched mason bees and leafcutter bees searching for the perfect cavity in dead wood or hollow stems. They're rather specific about their requirements - the holes need to be at least 10cm deep with diameters between 4 and10mm.

Keeping Our Visitors Refreshed

One of John's earliest garden lessons was about providing water safely. It's quite remarkable watching bees collect water droplets to cool their hives. The butterflies are equally fascinating - they gather at shallow puddles for their mineral supplements.

We've learned the hard way that deep water features can be dangerous for insects. Now we create shallow drinking spots with small rocks or twigs as landing platforms. It's rather like creating tiny beaches where they can safely paddle to avoid habitat loss.

Natural Touches Make Perfect Homes

Dead wood has become one of our garden treasures. What might look untidy to some eyes provides perfect homes for cavity-nesting bees. We've also stopped being quite so tidy with the mower - those longer grass patches along the fence lines have become wonderful wildlife corridors.

Our favourite habitat materials include:

- Old stone walls - the crevices are perfect for solitary bees

- Last year's hollow stems - nature's ready-made nesting tubes

- Autumn leaves - cosy winter blankets for hibernating queens

- Standing dead wood - particularly in sunny corners

We've learned to be patient with these wild areas. Disturbing nesting sites can be disastrous for developing larvae, so we leave them well alone. When creating new habitats we always choose sunny, sheltered spots away from our notorious British winds. Sometimes the most beautiful garden moments come from simply stepping back and letting nature take its course.

Nurturing Our Garden Friends

After years of tending our nursery, we’ve discovered that maintaining a pollinator-friendly garden is rather like conducting a delicate orchestra. Every element needs to work in harmony to support a biodiversity strategy. The most beautiful gardens, we’ve found, are those where we work alongside nature, ensuring our actions have a direct relation to pollination.

Nature's Own Pest Control

Our journey towards natural pest management began when we noticed how companion planting created its own balance in the garden. Now we smile watching marigolds keeping aphids at bay, while mint helps discourage those pesky cabbage moths. Last summer, we were absolutely mesmerised watching ladybugs methodically clearing aphids from our roses.

Here's what we've learned about working with nature:


- Keep a watchful eye on your plants - catching problems early makes such a difference

- Don't fret over every nibbled leaf - some 'damage' shows your garden is alive

- Plant variety brings natural defenders

- If a non-native plant struggles, try a hardy native instead



The secret weapon in my garden? Rich, healthy soil. It's rather remarkable how plants in good soil naturally fight off pests better and produce more nectar for our pollinator friends.

A Garden's True Purpose

Watching our nursery transform through the seasons has taught us something rather wonderful - a garden isn't just about creating beauty; it's about nurturing life. Those first tentative spring bulbs pushing through frost-touched soil, the symphony of summer perennials humming with bees, and the quiet grace of autumn seedheads - each plays its part in this remarkable dance of nature.

What brings us the greatest joy is knowing that my garden, like yours, forms part of something bigger. Each flower we plant and each bee that visits connects our gardens across Britain like stepping stones in a vast wildlife corridor. It's rather humbling to think that the simple act of planting a flower or leaving a patch of nettles can help these remarkable creatures survive and thrive for generations to come.

Frequently asked questions about pollinators

What are some essential spring plants for pollinators in British gardens?

Early-flowering bulbs like crocuses, grape hyacinths, and snowdrops are crucial for emerging bees. Spring-blooming shrubs and trees such as willows and cherry trees also provide abundant pollen and nectar. Native wildflowers like primroses and bluebells are particularly valuable for supporting local pollinators.

What plants support pollinators during autumn and winter? 

Ivy is a crucial late-season nectar source for species of bee preparing for hibernation. Winter-flowering plants like winter honeysuckle and Christmas rose offer sustenance on mild days. Additionally, plants with berries and seeds, such as cotoneaster and teasels, provide food for various creatures during colder months.

How can I create year-round habitats for pollinator species in my garden? 

Provide nesting sites by leaving patches of bare, well-drained soil for ground-nesting bees and creating cavities in dead wood for cavity-nesting species. Offer safe water sources with shallow containers and landing spots. Use natural materials like dry stone walls and hollow plant stems to create diverse habitats. Position these features in sunny, sheltered locations.