Flowers for Bees and Cutting

[Bex]

Hi Folks

My new allotment hasn't got a path that borders with next allotment so my plan was to grow a foot wide border of flowers, just as a barrier. I also want to grow some flowers in my end bed round the apple tree.

I'm looking for flowers that both attract insects and are good for cutting. I've only ever really grown nasturtiums before so I'm completely clueless . Suggestions for flowers most appreciated.

[Bigmallly]

Lavendar is a classic for attracting bees.

[Bex]

Thanks BM, Lavendar will be on my seed order.

[Bigmallly]

You may like to peruse through these Bex:

https://www.rhs.org.uk/science/conse...or-pollinators

[alldigging]

Sow phacelia as a green manure. If it is left to flower the bees love it.
Borage is lovely to look at and the bees love it.

[Bigmallly]

Miniture Sunflowers................

http://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B009CARPJ...EYT35SYD7VQGJZ

[veggiechicken]

Some ideas at Bee & Butterfly Friendly Seed Collection for 2016 | Higgledy Garden

[Jungle Jane]

Try to avoid the f1 hybrids,some seeds are manufactured to have better pest resistance but this can lead to pollinating insects not being interested too. Having an allotment with flowers,herbs,fruits & vegetables will offer the bees a selection of different pollens. (The best colours for bees are said to be yellow & blue). Miniature sunflowers are great for insects,I had ladybirds living in mine before they flowered & then when they'd finished flowering I was carefully breaking them up to add to the soil & out popped a ladybird onto my hand,it might have been it's house?