[Missy1970]

Hello

I dont usually post in this section but wondered if you could help -  my daughter has started showing a huge interest in flowers could you suggest any plants that I could edge my allotment with which would help attract bees but would also be suitable for her to pick the  flowers and bring home ideally something that would just come back year after year we currently have some lavenders and hope to get more but I was perhaps looking for something dare I say "cheaper" 

Thanks in advance
Missy

[RichardA]

There are bee mixes for sale but these are usually annuals. Cheap annuals such as candyfuft or lobelia, marigolds etc would still come this year to give interest for her. Longer term stuff such as lupins or various bell like flowers usually interest the bees and could be started from seed this year to plant next to reduce costs. I am sure most gardeners would give you seed or cuttings from this years perennials or self setting annuals such as poppies, aqulegia etc.
Many of the green manure mixes are good for attracting bees and woudl help your plot. Phacelia being one.
Hope she stays interested
R

[compostqueen]

Calendula are lovely and will self seed around or you can collect the seeds to sow again.  Nasturtiums, Californian poppies, nigella are all very easy and add colour and will attract insects.  Sweet peas are lovely as cut flowers and again easy to grow.