How to make a nectar-rich container display

Home
How to
Grow plants
How to make a nectar-rich container display

BBC Gardeners' World Magazine

Published: Wednesday, 12 June 2019 at 1:24 pm

Please bees, butterflies and other pollinators with this nectar-rich container display.

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDecTo Doyesyesyesyesyes**yes

Save

You can create a wildlife corner in even the smallest garden, and it doesn't have to be a patch of unmown grass or a scrambling scrub thicket.

A single, large container will suffice, containing plants to attract bees, butterflies, hoverflies and other insects. The display will provide shelter for insects to roost or hibernate, food plants for various caterpillars, and sources of nectar for pollinating insects.

We created a scheme of nectar-rich nepeta, lavenders, geranium, polemonium, salvia and achillea to support a range of pollinating insects. To make the pot absolutely irresistible we added two 'bee hotels' to provide nesting opportunities for solitary bees.

If you're new to wildlife gardening or are just starting to create one, be sure to check out these six essential features of a wildlife garden.

Discover how to plant up this pretty and nectar-rich container display, below.

You Will Need

30cm pot
Broken crocks or polystyrene
Multi-purpose, peat-free compost
Log with holes drilled in, Optional

Total time: 20 minutes

Step 1

Adding crocks to the bottom of the pot

Sit the pot in position, then place a layer of yogurt pots or crocks to aid drainage. Part-fill with compost.

Step 2

Planting up the container

Add the plants, placing the taller ones at the back and the lower growing species at the front. Top up with compost and water well.

Step 3

Adding the drilled log

To make the two bee hotels, drill several deep, 5-8mm wide holes into a 15-20cm long log, and fill an off-cut of drainpipe with lengths of bamboo. Place among the plants.

Kate Bradbury says

Cat-nip (Nepeta) not only provides nectar and pollen for insects, it’s also used as a caterpillar food plant for the mint moth, Pyrausta aurata. This pretty moth will do no harm to the nepeta – look out for it resting on the leaves of plants during the day. Discover more moths to spot in the garden.

Kate Bradbury

Don't miss out this Winter

Enjoy expert advice on what to plant and grow this winter, and how to prepare your plot for the year ahead. Enjoy, 6 months for just £31.99

Subscribe now

Great gardening savings - straight to your inbox

Sign up to the BBC Gardeners’ World offers newsletter for exclusive deals, seasonal savings, and early access to special promotions.