I'm not sure how accurate this is, but I thought it was a wonderful image, and a great reminder! ( photo / image / picture from Ronni's Garden )
That's pretty accurate, Ronni, and it provides for succession bloom for a longer forage for the bees. Of course, the herbs pictured have to be let blossom so there is nectar and pollen available. Borage is probably the most valuable herb for bees, but they like rosemary and fennel, also. Fennel has value for butterflies, too!
That is a nice chart--easy to see and read for a quick reference. Say MG-- do you plant patches of borage for your bees? I plant it for green manure late in the season for late fall nectar and pollen harvesting for the bees and after blooming, I lift the plants and lie them on top of the soil. I like how the plants "melt-away" so easily. Ronni--Are you planning to use this helpful chart for your own garden?
The only thing I am missing from that list is snowdrops. Great, another plant added to this years wish list!
Sjoerd, we plant borage all over! I have a patch in the big herb garden, some in spare spots in the vegetable gardens, and more in the flower beds. Borage usually doesn't make it past August for us with our heat, but while it's here the bees use it.
It's certainly a good guideline. My garden's still very new, and last year was the first year I did anything in it, which was basically to just clean it up and figure out what was already there, and start to get an idea of what I ultimately want it to be. It's a very small area, but I know I want to attract bees and butterflies, so I'm trying to figure out a plan.
Well, good luck with the planning and planting. I have the distinct feeling that you will be successful. BTW--we eat those lovely little flowers of the borage here on our salads. It's common name here translates into "Cucumber Herb".
Excellent idea! Be sure to not put chemicals on plants that could harm the very critters attracted to them. Basil and Coleus are also easy from seed, inexpensive to buy. Bees and butterflies love the flowers of both of these too.
