This project not only looks fantastic on a balcony, patio or roof terrace, but in just one container it provides nectar and pollen for bees all year round. If you can’t find a galvanised bathtub, try using a rubber tubtrug (widely available in supermarkets), a trough or a half barrel.

you will need…

  • 1 large container such as an old galvanised bath, tubtrug or half barrel, about 80cm x 60cm and at least 30cm deep
  • a hellebore
  • a trailing rosemary (Rosmarinus prostratus)
  • 15 crocus bulbs
  • a lavender plant
  • a trailing thyme
  • a trailing oregano
  • a Verbena bonariensis
  • a Sedum spectabile (ice plant)
  • multipurpose compost
  • 40 minutes

when to do it…

Autumn

how to do it…

Make sure the container already has drainage holes and, if not, drill about eight holes in the bottom. Then fill with compost to about 10cm from the top. Plant the rosemary, oregano and thyme at the edges of the container so they can trail down outside. Then plant the verbena towards the back and the other plants and bulbs throughout the rest of the space. Top up with more compost so it is almost to the top and water well. Place in a sunny, sheltered spot.

make your lawn bee friendly…

Try leaving an area of your lawn unmown between late June and early August. It will burst into life with bird’s foot trefoil and red clover, both magnets to bees. When you do mow this area, remove any clippings from the grass. This keeps the fertility of the soil low, which wildflowers tend to prefer. Leaving an area of your lawn long will encourage other animals, too – hedgehogs like to forage in long grass and butterflies will lay their eggs there.

 

  • words:
  • pictures: Sarah Cuttle

You may also like

At the heart of the garden

Jo Arnell speaks to Vicky Flynn at National Garden Scheme about the horticultural gems open in aid of nursing, health and gardening charities across the South East For almost 100 years the National Garden Scheme has been opening gorgeous gardens...

The Bravest Blooms

Banish the winter blues – cheer up pots and borders with some welcome early flowers with expert advice from Jo Arnell February is a short, sharp month – some years shorter (and sharper) than others – but the light is...

Just one pruning thing

Jo Arnell tackles the complexities of this often dreaded garden task Pruning can seem daunting – and sometimes like one of the dark arts – every plant seems to need a different approach at some other time of the year....