The buzz word at this year's Chelsea Flower Show is bees, with many exhibitors featuring planting which is attractive to these important insects. Studies show that bumblebees - which rely on certain plants for their survival - are declining in the UK due to habitat alterations, climate change and industrial farming. Three species of the insect have become extinct in Britain, and further nine are in danger. This year's show hopes to inspire gardeners with ideas to ensure that their garden is a honey pot for all kinds of bees. The honey bee theme can be found in several show gardens, including the Fortnum & Mason Garden, which incorporates four Fortnum beehives - minus the bees for insurance purposes! - as ornamental features and functional items. The garden has rich, sumptuous planting, which is predominately red, purple, pink and pale yellow. The Laurent-Perrier Garden also includes planting that is attractive to bees. The garden's designer, Jinny Blom, said: "Umbellifers are an important nectar source for many insects, and astrantia is very much favoured by bees." In the Great Pavilion, the British Beekeepers' Association urban beekeeping exhibition will show visitors how they can safely keep their own honey bees in an urban environment. It shows how the insects can thrive in built-up area as they have a massive range of trees and garden plants on their doorstep. Bees can find nectar everywhere in the city, from street trees to railway embankments. The Children's Society Chic Garden takes inspiration from the song Lust for Life by Iggy Pop and features plants including salvias, which encourage bees. As bees like warm, sunny weather, the climate currently prevailing is to their liking. However, warm winters - especially in the south - can cause young bumblebee queens to fail to go into hibernation in autumn or wake early and try to start a colony in winter. Gardeners can help bees that do start emerging earlier in late winter/early spring by providing the right flowers. Good plants to try include crocus, grape hyacinth (muscari) and winter aconite (Eranthis hyemalis), as well as pulmonaria, Clematis cirrhosa, Erica carnea and mahonias. If you bring bees into the garden you're bringing in pollinators and will attract hoverflies, which prey on aphids. NThe RHS Chelsea Flower Show takes is on May 22-26 (May 22 & 23: RHS members only). Tickets must be booked in advance on (0870) 247 1226 or at www.rhs.org.uk/ flowershows. | 
Travel, Entertainment & leisure
Professional Services
Health
Home Style
Home Improvements
Fashion & Weddings
Gifts
