Every garden, no matter its size, can be a haven for hungry pollinators. In Ireland, there are 98 different types of bee: the honeybee, 20 different bumblebees and 77 different solitary bees. They along with other insects such as moths, butterflies & hoverflies carry out the very important job of pollination. Here are some tips to help encourage them into your space and help their numbers thrive.
- Plant trees, shrubs & flowers ( listed below) to attract bees, butterflies & moths throughout the year.
Spring: Willow, Dandelion, Gorse, Sycamore Blossom, Horse Chestnut, Bluebell, Snowdrops, Daisy, Elder, wild garlic
Summer: Hawthorn/Whitethorn, Fuchsia, Blackberry Blossom, White Clover, Foxglove, Lavender, Milk thistle, Poppy, Lobelia, Sunflowers
Autumn: Bell Heather, Ling Heather, Dahlia, Aster, Borage
Autumn/Winter: Ivy Blossom, Honeysuckle, Holly
- Build or buy an insect hotel. These are readily available to buy now but are a easy and fun to make yourself
- Create an insect friendly area by allowing a small part of your garden to go wild
- Provide a shallow water source for insects to drink out of. This could also encourage dragonflies & damselflies to your garden.
- Use non toxic pest control methods