Love bees?
Then this summer don’t tidy up that ivy growing in your garden!
It’s brilliant for bees – recent research shows it is a vital late-season pollen and nectar source.
89% of the pollen brought back to the hives by bees in September and October is from ivy flowers : (Source Univ of Sussex Laboratory of Apiculture and Social Insects) .
And ivy comes in many wonderful shapes and shades of green – all year round. Two of the favourites in our garden are “Dragon’s Claw” and “Duck’s Foot” . Both compliment other plants (pictured here with Golden Hop, ferns and bamboo).
Oh, and the blackbirds (and chicks) currently nesting in our ivy hedge also agree!!
Further reading: “Gardeners urged to let ivy flourish to save bees” The Telegraph (25 April 2013)
Post and photos: Simon Wallace
