It's a sad fact that our native bee population is in decline - both in numbers and health. This is particularly worrying because of their essential role in pollinating our food. We wrote about the subject back in 2009 in this post "Campaign to save the honeybees". What's really concerning is that a ban on pesticides linked to the decline has failed to halt the problem.

The Royal Horticultural Society has a great article highlighting why pollinators are so important and what we can do in our gardens to help. Click here to read it in full.

"By planting nectar and pollen rich flowers over a long season, gardeners can help reduce this trend. In return, an abundance of pollinators will ensure garden plants continue to reproduce through seed and that many fruit and vegetable crops such as apples, strawberries and tomatoes successfully set fruit."

The RHS recommends:

• Aim to have plants that are attractive to pollinating insects in flower from early spring to late autumn. Winter flowering plants can also be of benefit.
• Grow garden plants with flowers that attract pollinating insects.
• Avoid plants with double or multi-petalled flowers. Such flowers may lack nectar and pollen, or insects may have difficulty in gaining access.
• Never use pesticides on plants when they are in flower.
• Where appropriate, British wildflowers can be an attractive addition to planting schemes and may help support a wider range of pollinating insects.

You can read more about how to help our pollinators and download lists of pollinator friendly plants on the Royal Horticultural Society website.

A fascinating video

This recently published Ted Talk includes some fascinating, close-up photography showing the first 21 days in a bee's lifecycle.