Twyford

A Twyford garden centre is joining forces with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust next month (June 2009) to raise awareness of the area’s declining bee populations and how important they are to gardeners and crop production.

Wyevale Hare Hatch Garden Centre, which is located on Floral Mile, Twyford is inviting people to get involved with its free Insect Weekend on Saturday, June 20 and Sunday, June 21.

During the event the garden centre will be hosting displays, handing out complimentary children’s activity sheets and offering free advice about attracting, not just bees, but all friendly insects to gardens.

Wyevale Hare Hatch Garden Centre’s Manager, Martin Lines said: “We’re supporting the Bumblebee Conservation Trust and helping raise awareness of its work because bees are the gardener’s best friend.

“Bees fly from flower to flower collecting nectar, thus pollinating plants, which is essential for crop production, not just on a small scale in gardens or allotments where people are growing their own fruit and vegetables, but also on a larger scale at farms growing food to feed the nation.

“We are keen to raise awareness of their plight, their urgent need for flower-rich habitat and how gardeners can help save them. Bees love lavenders, teasels, comfrey and other beautiful perennials, so even if you don’t have a large garden you can plant up pots and tubs on patios or balconies, or have a windowbox or hanging basket full of bee-friendly plants.”

There will be free information and advice leaflets on insect-friendly products and bee-friendly plants available at the Twyford garden centre for people to take home, while stocks last.

Dr. Ben Darvill, Director of the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, said: “We’re delighted the garden centre, which will be creating a display of bee-friendly products and plants during the Insect Weekend, is supporting us.

“Bumblebees are beautiful, hard working and incredibly important pollinators. The UK currently has 24 species, but sadly in the past 70 years two species have become extinct and many others have declined dramatically. They are essential for the pollination of vital crops and therefore the food on our plates. Our colourful wild flowers also need pollinators, and without them many could disappear.

“Wild solitary bees, butterflies, hoverflies and more besides also have an important role to play which deserves wider recognition. Many pollinator groups have declined in recent years, with bumblebees among those struggling.

“At a time when disease is decimating managed honeybee populations it is more important than ever that we look after our wild pollinators. To halt the recent dramatic declines, we urgently need to improve habitats. Everyone can play their part – gardeners, farmers, land managers, councils and governments can all help.

“To encourage people to help bees in their gardens, we are giving away FREE copies of our book Gardening for Bumblebees to all new BBCT members throughout June. To join, visit the website or write to BBCT, University of Stirling, FK9 4LA.”

The Twyford garden centre hopes people will support the area’s bee populations by planting bee-friendly plants this summer.

Martin explained: “Bees are not the only important insects we need to attract and retain in our gardens.

“Most ladybirds are predators, eating aphids, scale insects and other sap-sucking insects, which is why they are also so popular with gardeners. To help encourage ladybirds to visit your garden you can use a ladybird tower and attractant.”

The garden centre is also backing the BBC Gardener’s World bee survey, which is being conducted with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to help find out more about bumblebees visiting urban gardens.

To find out more, please call Wyevale Hare Hatch Garden Centre, which is located on Floral Mile, Hare Hatch, Twyford, on 01189 403 933