Recommendations please

Discussion in 'General Gardening Discussion' started by catztail, Aug 3, 2011.

  1. catztail

    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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    I am looking for some ideas of bee and butterfly friendly plants that I can mix in with other plants and flowers including some veggies all in one area. Nothing too thugish. I want various heights and colors maybe some scented stuff but things that will bring in the critters. I am already planning on having cornflowers, flanders poppies, sunflowers and possibly some teasels. There will also be roses, lilies, possibly a blackberry or two, and various edibles which I haven't decided on yet. I just really want plenty of variety and interest.
     
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    • ARMANDII

      ARMANDII Low Flying Administrator Staff Member

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      Well, Catztail, I find that the bee's and Hoverflies love Echinops, Monarda, Astrantia, Centaurea, and good old Sedum. Teasels are a favourite of mine, as they attract the bees, Butterflies, Hoverflies, the birds feed off them, and they're handsome plants in their own right.
      Your choice is spot on.:thumbsup::love30::yess::happydance:
       
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      • gcc3663

        gcc3663 Knackered Grandad trying to keep up with a 4yr old

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        I agree with Monarda. Mine is bright Red and has been in flower since May and still producing new heads - hopefully until October?
        I also like Welsh Poppies (OH disagrees). The are very generous though. If you don't remove the seed head they spread prolifically.
        I have Yellow and Orange and they also seem to be in flower from Spring into Autumn
         
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        • *dim*

          *dim* Head Gardener

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        • Marley Farley

          Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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          Hi catztail, this is a brilliant herb list I refer to allot, I am sure there are some here you would like..
          Herb Society Bee Aware 2010 - Herbs To Attract Bees To The Garden

          This is another very good site as well..
          Plants to attract Bees

          Hope these may have some good ideas for you.. I grow as many wildflowers as I can, the bees always love the Rosebay Willowherb, of which my clump gets a bit bigger every year, plus they love Hollyhocks & the Salvia family, Borage or any of the Boraginaea family, Stachys, comfrey is a good one, but do not let the wild one go rampant, I have mine in an old barrel...

          Well hope that helps a bit too.. :sunny:
           
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          • catztail

            catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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            Thank you everyone! You are most helpful and I'm sure I will be able to find just what I'm looking for with all your great advice. Of course there will be pics to look at along the way. Keep the good ideas coming!!
             
          • Marley Farley

            Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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            :WINK1: Plus of course there will be lots of free seeds coming now.. :WINK1: :WINK1:
             
          • Phil A

            Phil A Guest

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            I find flypaper attracts alsorts of insects.
             
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            • Marley Farley

              Marley Farley Affable Admin! Staff Member

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            • *dim*

              *dim* Head Gardener

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            • Flowerpot

              Flowerpot Gardener

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              Plants some Catmint, it flowers a lovely purple colour and the bee's love it!!
               
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              • catztail

                catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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                I am looking at getting nepeta Kit Kat. It's a compact variety with lots of pretty purple flowers. I have a catmint for the cats already but it gets pretty flattened.....
                 
              • jason2

                jason2 Gardener

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                • Pixie

                  Pixie Gardener

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                  Has anyone mentioned Lavender? i can hear the bees buzzing in the garden where the lavender is planted - really good one to have in your garden. :)
                   
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                  • catztail

                    catztail Crazy Cat Lady

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                    I do have some lavender but I always have trouble with it looking scruffy after a couple of years. I wish I could keep it looking tidy and I would have more.
                    Jason, thanks so much for that site!!! It's close enough for me to go and check things out! I feel another little trip coming on this weekend.......
                     
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