Busy bees

Globe thistle echinops ritro is ideal for our garden. It tolerates dry conditions and its tall flower stems give height and structure to the border. Most importantly, it is adored by visiting insects.

In choosing planting for the garden, always think about the interest that wildlife can bring. August is a quiet time for birds, but our insects should be out in force.

Here, bumble bees find the flowers of the globe thistle irrestible. Bombus locurum is on the right and the smaller teddy bear bumble bee bombus pascuorum on the left.