Over the next few weeks in August, I will endeavour to identify and evaluate bee numbers and activity. The meadow flowers are virtually non-existent this year so the pots where I am growing next years trees in this case figs provide nectar and pollen – basic nutrition for bees. I always incorporate seeds of meadow perennials for flowers in these pots as when I plant the trees in Winter I hope some may populate the immediate area and benefit from watering the following year. I always have to water new trees when they are getting established.
These Hyssop flowers were in mixed seed packets and have flourished. They have been covered in bees (and other nector seeking flying invertebrates) all Summer. The fig tree in the middle of the container doesn't seem to have been affected and is growing well and producing fruit.