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Flowering plants
Herbaceous, biennial and annual plants and bulbs look great and provide nectar, seeds and cover for wildlife. They are also excellent at filling gaps between trees and shrubs.
The mixed border has long been the mainstay of the UK garden and can be a quick and easy way to bring year round colour and wildlife to your garden. With careful planning, you can have something in flower for most months of the year.
Insects are drawn to many varieties of flower traditionally used in gardens. Herbaceous perennials, biennials and annuals quickly become established to provide cover and food in newly-created gardens. They give cover and a source of insects and seed for birds.
When selecting flowering plants, try to choose single petalled varieties. Many modern hybrids with multiple layers of petals or blooms look pretty, but are often of lower nectar and pollen value, and less beneficial to insects.
Arable flowers, such as corn cockle, corn marigold, poppy and cornflower, provide an attractive splash of colour throughout the summer and are very easy to grow. They are pleasing to the eye, and attract many beneficial insects that come to nectar and feed on the pollen. Their seeds provide a source of food for birds and can be enhanced by the addition of a small amount of spring wheat or barley.
You can grow arable flowers in plant trays. A shallow, tray filled with soil can be seeded with a suitable mix of flowers and will look very attractive on a balcony, terrace or other restricted space.
Last modified: 13 October 2007