Planting for Pollinators: How I garden with butterflies and bees in mind

Every summer, one of my favourite rituals is taking part in the Big Butterfly Count. I set aside a few quiet minutes to sit among the flowers, no weeding, no watering, just watching, and count the butterflies that flit and flutter by. It’s not only a peaceful moment in the midst of a busy season, but also a reminder of why I garden.

Creating a space that’s welcoming to pollinators has become second nature now and becoming more important than ever, from my home garden to the allotment. It’s about more than just planting pretty flowers (though there’s plenty of that too!). It’s about choosing plants that give back to the ecosystem by providing nectar, shelter, and a safe place to feed and rest.

Why Pollinators Matter

Pollinators like bees, butterflies, hover flies, and moths are essential to our gardens and to life itself. Without them, many of the fruits and veg we grow simply wouldn’t exist. Supporting them isn’t just kind it’s vital.

And the good news? Even a few well-chosen plants can make a huge difference.

My Favourite Plants for Pollinators

Here are some of the tried-and-true favourites that I grow year after year, loved by pollinators and gardeners alike:

• Lavender  - A true classic, it’s always buzzing with bees. I grow mine near paths so I brush past it and release that lovely scent.

• Single-flowered dahlias - These are not only beautiful but also accessible to pollinators — unlike the showy double varieties which are all petals making it difficult for pollinators to access nectar.

• Herbs like mint, thyme, chives, basil, coriander and oregano - Let some of your herbs flower and you’ll be amazed at how many visitors they get. The bees seem to prefer the herbs almost more than the flowers sometimes.

• Verbena bonariensis - Tall and airy with clusters of purple blooms butterflies absolutely love it. I tuck it in between veg beds and borders.

• Sunflowers - Cheerful, generous, and great for bees while flowering then great for birds once the seeds set.

•  Foxgloves and honesty - These are early-season heroes in my garden, providing vital food when little else is in bloom.

• Wildflowers - Even a small patch or a few scattered seeds can create a lovely habitat. I’ve had brilliant success with cornflowers, poppies and yarrow.

A Few Tips I’ve Learned Along the Way

• Avoid pesticides — even those labelled as ‘safe’ can disrupt pollinators’ delicate systems. I garden organically and let nature do the balancing.

• Don’t be too tidy — I leave some seed heads, hollow stems, and wild corners to give insects somewhere to shelter.

• Plant for a long season — I aim to have something in flower from early spring to late autumn so there’s always food available.

• Mix things up — diversity is key. The more variety you can offer, the more species you’ll attract.

Whether you have a tiny balcony, a few pots, or a whole allotment, there’s space for pollinator-friendly planting. And if you haven’t joined in the Big Butterfly Count before — why not give it a go? It’s such a simple joy, and a lovely excuse to pause and connect with the wildlife we’re gardening for.

Let me know what you’re planting for the pollinators this year — I’m always looking for new favourites!