Our role in supporting wild and solitary bees as gardeners with Richard Rickitt - Episode 213

Bees are one of the most essential species in our ecosystem, and all of our gardens play a vital role in providing food and shelter for them to thrive. Beekeeper, gardener and writer Richard Rickitt’s passion for these particular pollinators is utterly infectious. In this episode of ‘grow, cook, eat, arrange’, Richard shares what inspired him to start keeping bees at an early age, his fascination with the many species of wild bees in the UK, and the small but important changes we as gardeners can make to help protect their dwindling populations. In this episode, discover:The best bee-friendly flowers and shrubs to provide early pollen and nectarHow to create habitat for wild bees in your borders and lawnWays to make your own fantastic, affordable bee hotelThe dangers of chemicals for pollinators in modern agriculture Products mentioned: Eryngium bourgatii ‘Picos Blue’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/eryngium-bourgatii Galanthus nivalis (Common Snowdrop) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/galanthus-nivalis Bluebells (Hyacinthoides non scripta) https://www.sarahraven.com/products/hyacinthoides-non-scripta-bluebells Salix gracilistyla ‘Mount Aso’ https://www.sarahraven.com/products/salix-gracilistyla-mount-aso Order Beekeeping for Gardeners: https://www.bloomsbury.com/uk/beekeeping-for-gardeners-9781399404846/ Follow Sarah: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravenperchhill/ Get in touch: info@sarahraven.com Shop on the Sarah Raven Website: http://bit.ly/3jvbaeu Follow us on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sarahravensgarden/ Order Sarah’s latest books: https://www.sarahraven.com/gifts/gardening-books?sort=newest