Thursday, 28 February 2019

Crocuses and bumblebees

Spring has started early this year. We already had temperatures of about 20 C, and we are still in February! The warm sunshine has brought out the bumblebees. The first to emerge are the queens which will be very hungry after hibernation. The first thing the queens will do after emerging is looking for food to fill their empty stomachs. Not many plants flower at this time of year but normally there are always some dandelions, lesser celandine and cherry plum flowers to be found.

Crocuses are good pollinator plants as well, offering pollen and nectar which also attract other early pollinators such as solitary bees and hoverflies.


A carpet of yellow and purple crocuses
Buff-tailed bumblebee queen

Years ago I planted a handful of different crocus bulbs on the allotment. They have thrived and multiplied and I now have small carpets of yellow and purple crocuses in different areas on the allotment which look really pretty. They also attract bumblebee queens.

Often the queens are starved and weak after hibernating for months, crawling from flower to flower instead of flying, getting stronger while drinking the nectar. Once the stomach is full they will start searching for suitable nesting sites but not without frequently coming back to my crocuses to fill up again on the sweet nectar.


Hungry bumblebee queen
Often, freshly emerged queens are quite weak and need food quickly
Two red-tailed bumblebee queens

If you don`t have crocuses in your garden plant some! They are pretty, easy to please and good for pollinators. Best planting time is from September to November. They like sunshine but also grow in half-shade. Crocuses don`t need any watering or other care, these little flowers pretty much look after themselves. What more can you wish for. And don`t forget to look for bumblebee queens in early spring!

A white-tailed bumblebee queen
Plant crocuses and the bumblebees will come
This queen has found the crocus growing in my raised bed

1 comment:


  1. Best Cryptocurrency Recovery Company for Scam Victims

    Alpha Recovery Experts specializes in Bitcoin scam recovery and cryptocurrency asset tracing for individuals and businesses affected by online fraud. Their team utilizes advanced blockchain analysis tools and investigative techniques to track suspicious transactions across multiple cryptocurrency networks. Whether the loss resulted from an investment scam, fake trading platform, romance scam, or unauthorized wallet access, Alpha Recovery Experts provides customized recovery strategies designed to support victims throughout the recovery process. Reach out to them; https://alpharecoveryexperts.com

    Victims who have lost digital assets often feel overwhelmed and uncertain about their next steps. Fortunately, professional cryptocurrency scam recovery services can help trace blockchain transactions, identify fraudulent activities, and assist victims in pursuing the recovery of stolen or scammed Bitcoin. Working with experienced recovery specialists increases the chances of recovering lost crypto assets while minimizing further financial risk.

    One of the key advantages of using professional crypto recovery services is access to specialized expertise in blockchain forensics. Cryptocurrency transactions are recorded permanently on public ledgers, creating opportunities for investigators to follow transaction trails and gather valuable evidence. Alpha Recovery Experts works diligently to analyze transaction histories, document findings, and help clients understand their options for recovering stolen Bitcoin and other digital assets. Their structured approach helps victims navigate the complex world of cryptocurrency fraud investigations.
    Learn More; https://alpharecoveryexperts.com/

    If you have fallen victim to a cryptocurrency scam, taking immediate action is critical. Contact Alpha Recovery Experts today to learn more about their cryptocurrency scam recovery services and begin the process of recovering your lost Bitcoin and digital assets.

    Website; Alpharecoveryexperts.com

    ReplyDelete

New Wildlife Allotment blog

 I have started a new monthly blog about my wildlife allotment a few years ago for the Hardy Plant Society. I you are interested you can rea...

Popular Posts