A guide to Plant Types & Seeds

The plants we grow are renowned honeybee, bumblebee and solitary bee (in fact all pollinators) forage plants, producing Nectar and Pollen or sometimes also Propolis and Honeydew. Of interest to beekeepers, some of these species of plants are termed ‘Melliferous’ (producing so much nectar, that this can be turned into 'monofloral' honey by Honeybees). Some will produce pollen for Honeybees yet only nectar for Bumblebees because, for example, the nectar is situated too deep in the flower for the Honeybees’ shorter tongue to reach. There are also a few species we have included which may only be of interest to bumble or solitary bees native to the UK (for example some of the native wildflowers). But often honeybees have ways of accessing seemingly imposible flowers (an example is Comfrey which is suited to the longer-tongued bumblebees, yet these larger bees will cut neat holes to 'rob' nectar from the side of the flower, and the honeybees litterally hang around to sip from these nectar holes when the bumbles have had enough). One point to be aware of is that Honeybees around the world are pretty much homogenous in genes and will happily feed on any pollen or nectar producing flower they so choose, regardless of the country of origin of a particular species. In fact some of the most nectariferous species, such as Phacelia tanacetifolia, are native to North America, not the UK, yet this is possibly the species most used in bee regeneration programmes in this country. So, please, for bees sake, do not be speciesists! Where would we be in this country without the familiar apple, runner bean, courgette, borage, potato, tomato (none of them native to the UK) and the list goes on...it is a natural process that all species, plants and animals, have migrated away from their point of evolution. As long as they are not hazardous, and benefit bees, then they are surely necessary. Bees need all the help they can get, and all the pollen and nectar.

"Happy Plants make Happy Bees" 
 

Plant description key:

Key:
M – Melliferous (producing enough nectar which is turned into honey, by honeybees)
N – Nectar producing
P – Pollen producing
Pr – Propolis producing
B – Bumblebee forage plant
S - Solitary bee forage plant
H – Perhaps not Melliferous, but producing pollen for honeybees and perhaps access to the nectar!
* - Rated as an excellent bee forage plant through scientific study
July-Sept – (for example) Flowering months: in which forage is produced
T! – A natural source of antiseptic Thymol, helping to control varroa mites

Propagation to Order Service: We can raise any plants for you from seed if we carry the seed but have no plants ready. 50% of the cost of packs of ten is payable on order, and the balance will be payable when the plants are despatched. We will supply the plants in large plug size as soon as we feel they are strong enough to handle transplant. Definition of ‘Zone Hardiness’ used: This is a geographically defined area in which a specific category of plant life is capable of growing, as defined by climatic conditions, including its ability to withstand the minimum temperatures of the zone (see the table below). For example, a plant that is described as "hardy to zone 7" means that the plant can withstand a minimum temperature of -17°C. A more resilient plant that is "hardy to zone 4" can tolerate a minimum temperature of -35°C.

Shipping costs for UK and Nothern Ireland:

Only plants have shipping charge added, and here are the current rates (as of 2012). We are trying to keep these as low as possible, sometimes even making a loss on some orders, since the cost price to us is nearly £10.00 per box delivered:

UK & N. Ireland
Price Standard Delivery

£0.01 - £7.00/ £6

£7.01 - £25.00/ £8

£25.01 - £45.00/ £11

£45.01 - £65.00/ £14

£65.01 - £85.00 /£17

£85.01 - £105.00 /£20

£105.01 - £125.00/ £24

£125.01 - £150.00/ £27

£150.01 - £175.00/ £30

£175.01 - £200.00/ £35

£200.01 - £99999999.00/ £40