Although we are still experiencing some cold temperatures and frosty mornings, there are signs that spring is on its way. And for those pollinators that survive the winter, the flowers that we plant in our gardens can be true lifesavers, at this time of year in particular.
Take bumblebees for example. There are 24 species of bumblebee in the UK. Whilst the rest of the colony (the workers, males and old queens) dies at the end of summer, newly-mated queen bumblebees hibernate through the winter. They mate before hibernating, then after gorging on nectar and pollen to build up vital fat stores, they hide away underground for the winter in loose soil, banks of earth and even occasionally flowerpots. Come spring, they emerge to replenish their energy with nectar, before searching for their perfect nest site for the summer. Traditionally, most queen bumblebees wake up in late March or early April, when there are plenty of blossom and other flowers on which to feed. However with changing climates and generally warmer winters, it's becoming more common for queen bees to emerge too early. An unusually warm few days at the start of the year may rouse a bee before its food plants have emerged, making it hard for it to gather enough nectar to survive when temperatures drop again.
So any early flowers that we can grow or encourage in our gardens could be vital to these queen bumblebees. Spring flowering crocuses (such as the early Crocus tommasinianus) are a great example, providing plenty of early nectar and pollen. Their large, colourful, open petals make a very inviting landing pad for hungry bees. It has even been known for a queen bumblebee to sleep inside a crocus flower before finding a nest site! Similarly snowdrops are a very welcome source of nectar to bees. Just be sure to choose single-flowered varieties to get maximum bee-benefit: simple species snowdrops such as Galanthus nivalis are ideal.
Early crocus Crocus tommasinianus
Photo: Jenny Shelton (rspb-images.com)
A February favourite for bees is goat willow (Salix caprea), otherwise known as pussy willow. In late winter, it produces furry catkins that contain nectar and large amounts of easily accessible pollen, turning the male catkins from silvery grey to bright yellow. The queen bumblebees swarm to the catkins, as well as several early species of solitary bee such as Clarke's mining bee and sallow mining bees.
So making our gardens bee-friendly is not just a project for the summer months. Plants that flower at this time of year will be a huge benefit to certain species of bee, as well as providing some welcome colour and interest for us to enjoy as winter turns to spring. RSPB Flatford Wildlife Garden is still closed for the winter, but will be opening specially for the half term holiday. Brilliant Bees are the theme for half term. You can buzz around the family bee trail, if it's a sunny day you might spot a bee feasting on our flowering pollinator plants. Can you find the hidden bee images which reveal their name? You'll soon be able to identify a buff-tailed and tree bumblebee. Plant some cosmos seeds to take home and start growing in your greenhouse or windowsill. Cosmos plants are full of nectar, when flowering, and feed hungry bees.
All activities above cost £2, which can be paid for on the day at the garden. The garden is open from 10:30-3:30 from Saturday 11th - Sunday 19th February.
Next week is also National Nestbox Week - the perfect opportunity to put up (and even make!) a next box in your garden, ready for the breeding season.