Happy Herbalism
Happy Herbalism brings you information about plants and some ways you can use them. We hope you learn something new from Lucia's plant knowledge!
Bee Friendly in WinterBy Lucia Dinapoli
When you think Bumbling Bees, I'm sure sweet smells of spring, bright colours and warming sun come to mind. But, our fluffy friends need just as much care during the winter months as the spring ones. Although Honeybees will remain in their hives, Bumblebee queens are often only seen if mild weather encourages them to emerge from hibernation, and Solitary bees remain in their nests until they’re ready to mate, all of them still need nectar when they emerge. If they do not get it, they run the risk of starving.
Here is how to make your garden a little more Bee friendly: SHELTER Using leaves and sticks, you can create a shelter for Bees to get cosy in. You can even just let leaves stay where they have dropped to encourage some activity - just be careful not to disturb them! COMPOST If you have compost heaps in your garden, as much as it may annoy you, leaving them untouched and undug until spring can encourage Bees to get cosy too! PLANTING When it comes to growing, there are many plants and winter flowers that provide a great source of nectar and double as shelter from rain. Ivy is a great one, as it can be encouraged to grow up walls and terraces, and it looks very very pretty if you ask me. Other flowers such as hellebores, snowdrops, winter aconites, heathers and honeysuckle make beautiful additions to your winter garden! |