Plant Through the Seasons
Low growing heathers and crocuses in the front will provide colour and help feed bees in the barren months.Bees need food and shelter all year round - so think about planting through the seasons. Which plants will flower and provide the nectar (carbohydrates) and pollen (protein) bees need? Remember that late winter is the time to sow seeds for spring and summer plants. Autumn planted bulbs will burst forth in spring. When sunflowers and other summer flowery plants die back cut them off but leave the stump and roots in the ground to return nutrients to the soil.
Mix it Up
Bees need plenty of different type of plants for food - from trees , hedges and shrubs to bulbs, herbs and grasses. Small trees like hazel and holly help bees at different times of the year. Ivy is a top food in autumn - if possible don’t cut it back until after flowering. The greater the variety of plant life in your garden, the greater variety of bugs and birds it will support
Create Shelter
Give your mower a break by letting some of your lawn grow longer. When you do mow, cutting les soften and less closely will give polluters a place to feed and shelter among the grass. You can also create a small wood pile in a corner where bugs can nest and feed. This minor habitat will decay over time to create a natural look. Even a heap of pruned branches and twigs will help. And your compost heap is important too - it may be occupied by queen bumblebees and grass snakes seeking a place to nurture their young,