The relationship of bees and plants is millions of years old. Many flowering plants rely on insects as part of their reproductive cycle. The flowers provide nectar for the insects who brush past the pollen-bearing anthers to reach it. Hopefully, some of the pollen is transferred to the stigma so the plant is fertilized in the process. The bee may also collect some of the pollen to take back to the colony.
More about pollination from Wikipedia
Bees use the nectar to make honey (food stores for the colony); nectar contains vitamins, minerals and essential oils as well as water and sugars. The pollen is gathered as a source of protein and fats, particularly for the larval stage of the bees’ development in the Spring. Bees also gather propolis from trees and buds. It has weatherproofing and antibacterial properties.
Many of our food crops are pollinated in this way (some estimates give it as much as one third). Sometimes bees are placed strategically for this purpose – for example in orchards or almond groves.
Pollinating insects are in severe decline (all over the world).
See BBC link for more information
The answers to these problems have proved to be elusive. Modern farming practices have been blamed in part, by the planting of monocultures, destruction of hedges and overuse of pesticides and fertilizers, with the resultant loss in habitat and wild flowers.
And this is where we can actually do something to improve the lot of honeybees and bumblebees – redressing the balance by providing suitable habitat and forage. For example in garden design, use less concrete, decking and slabs to make more room for wildlife areas. Let some plants go to seed.
Link to Wild About Your Garden - BBC
Bees are mostly active between March and October. Early pollen yielding plants will help the colony build up quickly; nectar is also needed in quantity to provide fuel for the increased activity and wax cell production. In the summer months, during the ‘honey flow’, bees will be more preoccupied with collecting nectar for honey as stocks for the winter. There is a period called the ‘June gap’ between the early flowers and the summer. Providing plants to cover this lean period will be useful.
Link to beekeepers timetable (pdf)
Bees prefer to visit larger patches or clumps of the same species rather than individual plants. They also prefer plants in sunny, sheltered places rather than shaded or exposed locations. Many of the plants we consider weeds such as dandelions and thistles are favoured by bees.
An interesting way to investigate what works best for your soil/location is to keep a diary, noting what’s in flower, when and whether it is popular with bees. There are many books on the subject and websites with suggested bee plant lists. If you really get into it, perhaps consider a horticultural course! |
