IN THE GARDEN
For humans, the work of bees is critical , ensuring the production of crops we rely on
1 Keep on top of weeds. 2 Thoroughly water new plantings to establish strong roots. 3 Sow seeds of tender vegetables such as beans, sweetcorn and courgettes under cover, ready for planting out once the risk of frost has passed. Gardening jobs for May traditional-style herbaceous and mixed borders offer a perfect opportunity to attract bees to your garden. For a relaxed garden style, bee-friendly annual mixes are ideal and can easily be sown directly University Botanic Garden, our Bee Borders are designed to provide year-long interest and inspiration for visitors, gardeners and bees alike – creating a real bee magnet! With careful plant selection,
into your garden to encourage bees to your patch. And if you’re keen to attract bees in a wildlife-friendly garden, many native wildflowers such as white nettle, primrose and hawthorn are favourites. You could also add features such as a bee hotel to provide shelter for solitary bees, and a shallow bee water station so they can feed their young and help keep their hive cool and humid in summer. For humans, the work of bees is critical, ensuring the production of crops we rely on. Without them, there would be no apples, tomatoes, sweetcorn or even chocolate. In short, humans need bees to survive. Anything we can do as gardeners to bolster bee populations can only be a good thing, not only for bees but for our fragile ecosystem – and us as humans. So, while pottering in your patch, spare a moment to watch these productive insects – you’ll quickly be mesmerised by them going about their essential work!
Sally Petitt is head of horticulture at Cambridge University Botanic Garden
FULL OF BUZZ The bright colours of flowers, especially purple, pink and blue, stand out to bees
96 MAY 2025 CAMBSEDITION.CO.UK
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