TREES FOR POLLINATING INSECTS
When we embark on designing our gardens, selecting the tree species that will make up the main framework, we generally think first about the aesthetic, ornamental attributes that they can provide. A good, hard-working tree might have a specific weeping, spreading or upright habit, attractive bark, interesting colourful flowers, ornamental fruits and vibrant autumn colour, but what about a tree with good flowering abilities that will also benefit our pollinating insects? They need reliable sources of nectar and we need the insects to aid the transfer of pollen from male to female flower parts to ensure both edible fruits and ornamental displays, such as the large, lantern-like seedpods of the golden rain tree, . There’s good awareness of
