July 2010 Youlgrave Village Market

Plant a Tree for a Bee!

Youlgrave Bee Group would like to encourage everyone to plant bee-friendly plants in their allotments or gardens, but what on earth can you plant in February? Well, now is the ideal time to look at planting trees and shrubs while they are still dormant, especially fruit trees and fruit bushes. Bees love the flowers and the pollinating action makes sure you have plenty of fruit. What could be better!

Trees and fruit bushes come in shapes and sizes to fit most gardens and can be espaliered against walls to save space. In this area, blueberries need to be planted in tubs and kept well watered, but they reward care. If you only have a window box, however, why not plant some winter flowering heathers for colour? They also provide a lifeline for bees if we get a sudden warm spell, which can wake them up when there is very little food available.