[Nick36]

Hello everyone, i'm working on a project to make my garden bee friendly.  Plants in flower from spring to autumn, for a variety of different bees, and to make a home for some if i'm lucky.  Has anybody done anything like this, or have any advice about a good bee plant?

Thank Q

[Brushcutter]

We are having a patch for bee friendly plants this year. Have a look here for what flowers when http://www.bumblebeeconservation.org.uk/gardening_for_bumblebees.htm

Good luck!

[sion01]

i think the best tip is to stay away from F1 hybrids as they apparently don't produce either pollen or nectar or both and so look nice but are a complete waste of time for bees.
In my garden i plant flowering currants,hellebore.thrift,comfrey,latharys latifolius,verbena,potentilla,snapdragons,globe artichoke,fuschia especially to provide bees with a long season.
a herb patch is also great for bees and although the flowers aren't what we appreciate from them the bees love them,you could try chives,fennel,rosemary,thyme,borage,dill,pot marigold,lemon balm,wood ruff and a favourite of mine and the bees goat's rue.
I could go on and on but I think thats enough for now.O well just two more than.Sedum and if you have space or the inclination ivy,it's a very important source of nectar late in the season when most other flowers are long gone.I hope i've helped you rather than confuse

[Trillium]

Also avoid double petals in flowers - there's less nectar for bees in them. Also avoid tulips, irises and other large flowered plants which just aren't useful to bees.

Here's another good site with ideal flowers and pix:
http://nature.berkeley.edu/urbanbeegardens/gbt.html