Plants for Pollinators

Pollinators of every kind, from bees and moths to bats, flies and birds, are in decline around the world, and the problem is pressing. Gardens can be part of the answer. Almost any outdoor space, large or small, can help wildlife recover, but it isn't always obvious which plants do the most good.

This illustrated guide is organised by season and selects more than 150 plants, ranging from familiar garden favourites to native wildflowers. Each profile explains what the plant offers to wildlife, how to look after it, and what you can do to make your garden richer in life around it.

The selection draws on the Royal Horticultural Society's Plants for Pollinators list, put together by wildlife and plant specialists. The book goes further than the list, showing how particular plants appeal to particular kinds of visitors. Data sets, pollinator listings and cross-references help you match plants to the wildlife you want to attract.

The aim is a garden that supports pollinators in every month of the year. With some thought about what you plant, any gardener can turn their patch into a refuge for the creatures that keep the natural world going.