Small gardens can make a big difference for pollinators, especially in urban and suburban areas around cities and towns. Here’s a quick guide to the best compact plants and how to protect pollinators from pesticide risks.
Top Plants for Small Gardens
Flowers:
• Cornflowers: Easy to grow and perfect for sunny spots.
• Primroses: Ideal for shaded areas with early-spring blooms.
• Sedums: Late-season flowers that attract bees and butterflies.
• Geraniums: Honey bees in particular, love geraniums. They can be grown in small beds, borders and pots very easily and have a long flowering season.
Herbs and Edibles:
• Mint and Lemon Balm: Great in pots and loved by bees.
• Wild Strawberries: Compact, with flowers and fruit for pollinators.
Climbers:
• Honeysuckle: Fragrant flowers perfect for bees and butterflies.
• Sweet Peas: Bright colors and nectar-rich blooms on trellises.
Shrubs:
• Dwarf Buddleia: A butterfly favorite for smaller spaces.
• Spiraea japonica: Compact and hardy with summer flowers.
Protecting Pollinators in Rural Areas
Bees near farmland face risks from pesticides, even with restrictions in place. Here’s how to help:
• Go Organic: Avoid pesticides and use natural pest control, like marigolds to repel aphids.
• Plant Native Wildflowers: Species like clover and oxeye daisies are safe and beneficial.
• Create Safe Zones: Pesticide-free gardens offer uncontaminated food sources.
With thoughtful planting and pesticide-free practices, even the smallest garden can become a thriving sanctuary for pollinators in and around Coventry. Start planting today!
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