Jean Vernon’s guide to planting herbs for bees & pollinators

But it doesn't stop there - Belovedsaffron.com is also about promoting sustainable eating that respects people from different cultures who dedicate their lives to serving delicious food at family homes or five-star restaurants around the globe.

If you ever want to share your secret recipe or contribute an article to our blog section – don't hesitate to reach out at [email protected]. We believe everyone has something extraordinary and delicious to offer their taste buds! So come join us today and together let's make every experience an unforgettable flavourful adventure!

For now, love yourself and enjoy this one ... 

Many people grow herbs because of their wonderful flavours and health advantages. Most often, it is the green leaves of herbs that transform our dishes into flavourful delights or healing potions. Did you know that many herbs also flower? These flowers are also very attractive to pollinators.

This blog post by Jean Vernon (aka Jeanie Bee) provides insight into some of her favourite bee-friendly herbs. Jean Vernon is a regular guide at Jekka’s Open Days, where she leads bee walks. These walks allow you to see some of the most important pollinators in our ecosystem, including bumblebees, solitary honey bees and hoverflies. Here you can find coupons for our open days.

Do you want to know more about pollinating herbs? Browse Jekkapedia to learn more.

Leafcutter Bee on Borage

Herbal healing powers

Bees visit flower to collect pollen rich in protein to feed their young, and to also feed on the energy-rich nectar. Many herbal remedies, including Bach Flower remedies, are based on the healing power of plant essences. Since ancient times, man has used herbs to improve, heal and maintain health. But did you know bees can do the same thing?

Dartmouth College research showed that parasitised bees were self-medicating. Bumblebees are known to use herb plants like the all-healing Thyme as a self-medication against a fungus infection.

Let Your [TAG25] Flower

Leave a few stems in flower if you are growing herbs. This is especially true for perennial herbs such as thyme. By harvesting the stems, you can provide forage to your pollinator population. Some shrubby herbs, such as Rosemary and Lemon Verbena also have bee-friendly flowers. It's not necessary to let all stems flower. Leave a few around the plant for a mix of flowers and leaves that will benefit both you and pollinators.

Don't forget to plant herbs like Borage, Lavender, and Bergamot. These flowers, which are rich in nectar, attract summer-feeding pollinators.

Browse Jekka’s Birds and Bees Seeds collection

Top 7 herbs for bees

The best garden herbs for bees are those that you love to grow. It is best to let the herbs you enjoy grow flower. If you are new to herbs or need some inspiration, I have listed my 7 favorite herbs for bees.

1. Viper's Bugloss Echium vulgare
2. Rosemary ( Salvia rosemarinus )
3. Thyme ( thymus
4. Mint ( Mentha )
5. Salvia (Sage)
6. Chives ( Allium Schoenoprasum).
7. Agastache (Agastache)

Viper's Bugloss Echium vulgare

Viper's bugloss is a native, hardy plant with beautiful blue flowers. It is native, hardy, and has beautiful rich blue flowers. It's also easy to grow. What's there not to love? ?

On one of Jekka’s Open Days, you can see the wildflowers growing along Jekka’s Herbetum.

It's because it replenishes its nectaries every 10 minutes or so. It's the same as a bottomless coffee at your favorite coffee shop. The flowers and bees will love it. Once it's grown, it will self-seed around your garden. Many pollinators can reach the long, open flowers. Those with longer tongues will be most attracted to them.

Jekka's sells Viper’s Bugloss Seeds

Bumble Bee on Viper’s Bugloss

Rosemary ( Salvia rosemarinus )

It is my favorite herb. It is an evergreen herb, which means that its fragrant leaves remain throughout the winter. Rosemary leaves are available all year round, so you can add them to your winter menus or make herbal infusions. They also have a wonderful fragrance that will lift your spirits even on the darkest of days. Rosemary makes a great pollinator plant. In a protected spot, rosemary plants can bloom through the winter into early spring. They provide essential forage to pollinators during off-season.

Do you want to learn more? Read Jekka’s Guide to Rosemary

Thyme ( thymus

All the above reasons and more. Thyme comes in a wide variety of colours, flavours and aromas. You will find a variety of thyme plants to choose from. It's usually a low-growing herb with fragrant leaves, and pale pink, mauve, or white flowers. This herb is perfect for sunny planters, on top of walls or between paving slabs. If you want to ensure that your plants are pollinator-friendly, make sure they are grown organically and sustainably. We do this at Jekka's.

Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka’s guide to thyme.

Bumble bee on Thyme, by Martin Mulchinock

Mint ( Mentha )

Garden Mint is one of the easiest to grow for pollinators in a container. Mint is a good plant for container gardening because it spreads by creating rhizomes which grow sideways. This creates the spreading pattern. Mint is viewed by some gardeners as a thug when planted in a border. It could be viewed that way, but I like to see it as an extremely prolific and successful border filler that produces spires that are soft pink or mauve in color and rich in nectar that our garden pollinators will love.

Jekka's Herbetum has an amazing collection of mints. You can't go far wrong with Moroccan or Spanish Mint if you are looking for a good herbal mint infusion. Find them, or start a collection of mints that you enjoy the taste and smell of.

Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka’s guide to mint.

Salvia (Sage)

It may surprise you to learn that Sage flowers also produce medicinal benefits. Some growers pinch out the flowers to produce more delicious leaves. I prefer to let mine bloom. The flowers are a soft mauve color and full of nectar.

Salvia is an excellent culinary herb that has fragrant leaves. It also has many relatives (the salvias) who are beautiful ornamental plants. Cut off the flowering stems to provide pollinators with food. Then, tidy up the plant by removing the flower heads.

Do you want to learn more? Check out Jekka’s Sage collection on Jekkapedia, or purchase Sage seeds.

Red Tailed Bumble Bee on Sage

Chives ( Allium Schoenoprasum).

Garden Chives are a great choice for a small pot. Easy to grow and come back every year, they flower in mauve clusters early in the summer. You can also use the leaves in salads and sandwiches to add colour and flavour.

These are perfect for growing in pots and an easy way to get started growing some ingredients for your menus.

Jekka’s sells Chives or Jekka’s white flowering garlic Chives.

Bumble bee on Chives

Agastache (Agastache)

It is also known as giant hyssop. This plant attracts pollinators. If you're a seed-seller, look for the plants at Jekka's. We grow Korean Mint, Anise Hyssop and Golden Agache at Jekka's. Agastache, being a perennial plant, will stay in place for a long time. If you're lucky, it may even self-seed. This is a wonderful garden plant that produces spikes of purple flowers throughout the summer. It also has slightly aromatic leaves which can be used to make an herbal infusion. Agastache is a great garden plant that attracts butterflies, especially carder bees. It's also resistant to pests.

Jekka's sells Korean Mint and Anise hyssop seeds.

Bumble Bee on Agastache

Do you want to know more about?

Jean Vernon (aka Jeanie bee) will lead guided beewalks at Jekka’s Open Days. We are thrilled to have Jean leading these walks. Meet some of the pollinators that are so important to our ecosystem, including bumblebees, solitary bees and hoverflies. You can get coupons for our open day 4 to 6 weeks in advance. They are available .

Online, Jekka's offers over 140 varieties of herbs seeds. Most of our seeds come from Jekka’s Herbetum. Jekkapedia can be filtered by "Pollinator", to find the pollinating plants that Jekka has recommended. Browse our bee-friendly seed collections, which include Jekka’s Native Herb Collection Jekka’s Birds & Bees Collection, and Jekka’s Biodiversity Collection.

Check out our new Bee Nester or Bee Barn available online.

You can order herb plants and arrange a collection at our herb farm located in South Gloucestershire, or you can attend one of our open days (see our event calendar). You can check our Look Good List to see what's available. Use our webform, or send us your list ([email protected]). There is no longer a mail order service available for our plants. However, we offer a limited number of Jekka’s Culinary Herb Boxes.

Check out the 'Jekka Seasonal Tips' series of blogs for advice on how to grow and maintain herbs. It includes information about what you can do in your herb gardens in the early spring, late summer, autumn and winter. Together, they are the foundation of Jekka’s guide on How to Grow Herbs.

Author

Jean Vernon, a multi-award winning writer, is the author of Secret Lives of Garden Bees. She has a mission: to explain, demystify and unravel the complex balance in nature. She wants to show everyone the bees that are familiar to them and the other pollinators who live in our gardens.

You can buy her new book attracting garden pollinators online.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are healing flowers?

Healing flowers are plants that promote peace and tranquillity. They help us unwind after a stressful day and make us feel more relaxed.

They also help us connect to our inner selves and reconnect with nature.

These beautiful blooms are used for meditation, prayer, and contemplation.

We call hundreds of varieties of flowering plants ‘healing’ because they provide such a fantastic experience.

This list includes roses, lilies, irises, daffodils, peonies, tulips, hyacinths, and many more.

But there are two species that I find particularly special. These are the Geranium and Lilium.

Geraniums are very easy to grow and come in various colors. Liliums are also known as lily-of-the-valley, which means 'lily' and 'valley.' Both of these species are popular garden flowers.

Healing flowers are often found growing near water. They are said to bring peace and calmness to those who meditate with them.

In ancient times, people would light candles in flower petals to symbolize the sun. This way, they could honor the sun without needing to go outdoors.

Some say that when you look at these flowers, you may see angels dancing.

What are the side effects of basil?

Basil is an herb that originated in tropical regions of India, Africa, China, Indonesia, Malaysia, Thailand, Philippines, Mexico, Puerto Rico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, Panama, Colombia, Venezuela, Brazil, Peru, Ecuador, Bolivia, Paraguay, Uruguay, Argentina, and Chile.

The plant is easy to grow in most climates and requires little maintenance. Basil also thrives in poor soil conditions and is very drought tolerant.

As for the health benefits, more than 200 known compounds are found in basil, including flavonoids, phenolic acids, lignans, polysaccharides, essential oils, vitamins, and minerals.

According to the University of Maryland Medical Center, basil contains powerful anti-inflammatory properties which may help relieve symptoms associated with arthritis, asthma, allergies, bronchitis, cancer, cardiovascular disease, diabetes, digestive disorders, depression, eczema, insomnia, infections, migraines, osteoporosis, psoriasis, respiratory problems, stress, and ulcers.

Basil is also a culinary spice and is often added to tomato sauces, soups, salads, pasta dishes, rice dishes, dips, casseroles, pizza toppings, pesto, chicken wings, and popcorn.

However, like all herbs, basil should be consumed in moderation. Too much of anything is not good for you. For example, eating large amounts of basil could lead to stomach upset. And if you have sensitive tummies, avoid consuming basil during pregnancy.

If you are pregnant or nursing, consult your doctor before taking herbal supplements.

You should only take one type of supplement at a time. If you take other medications, make sure they do not interact with each other.

You should never use herbs while on medication unless directed by your doctor.

Some people experience allergic reactions when using herbs, especially those allergic to ragweed. Symptoms include hives, swelling around the mouth or eyes, shortness of breath, chest tightness, nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, headaches, dizziness, fainting, heart palpitations, blurred vision, loss of consciousness, seizures, or even death.

Some people who take certain medications may develop an allergy to basil. These drugs include:

• Antacids (like Alka Seltzer)
• Anti-anxiety medicines (Valium, Xanax, Ativan, etc.)
• Beta-blockers (like Propranolol)
• Blood thinners (like Coumadin)
• Calcium channel blockers (like Amlodipine)
• Cholesterol-lowering drugs (like Lipitor, Zocor, Mevacor, and Pravachol)
• Diabetes medicine (like Glucophage)
• Diuretics (like Lasix)
• Heartburn medicines (like Prilosec OTC)
• Hormone therapy (like Premarin, Tamoxifen, Femara)
• Insulin (like Humalog, Lantus, Novolin R)
• NSAIDs (like Aleve, Motrin, Advil, Excedrin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen)
• Oral contraceptives (like Ortho Evra, Yasmin, Loestrin, Ovrette, Yaz, and Seasonale)
• Pain relievers (like Aspirin, Celebrex, Vicodin, Percodan, Darvocet, Dilaudid, Fiorinal, Tylenol 3s, Naproxen, Motrin, Tramadol, Ultram, Voltaren

What is the difference between basil and oregano?

Both of these herbs belong to the Lamiaceae family. They share similar flavors, but the differences are obvious.

Oregano is more pungent than basil. It also adds an extra layer of flavor to foods.

Basil leaves are smaller than oregano leaves. They are also softer and less aromatic.

The two herbs are often used interchangeably. Although they are quite similar, each has its distinctive qualities.

Is it safe to eat raw garlic?

Raw garlic contains potent compounds that could cause stomach upset. Garlic should always be cooked before eating.

Garlic is one of the oldest known medicinal plants. It has been used since ancient times to treat various ailments.

Today, garlic is still commonly used for treating colds, coughs, and other respiratory infections. In addition, garlic can increase blood circulation, boost immunity, protect against cancer, lower cholesterol levels, prevent heart disease, and reduce stress.

Do not ingest large amounts of raw garlic to avoid possible health problems. It does not harm you if you consume small amounts regularly, however. This is especially true with young children who might accidentally swallow some.

What is the difference between herbs and spices?

Herbs are used for cooking, and spices are used for seasoning.

Herbs have more intense flavors and can be used to cook dishes, while spices can bring out the flavor of foods without altering the taste.

Spices can also be added to food during preparation, such as curry. Spices may be bought individually, or whole packages may be purchased. There are many spices, including black pepper, cayenne pepper, cinnamon, cloves, coriander, garlic, ginger, nutmeg, oregano, paprika, parsley, rosemary, sage, salt, thyme, turmeric, vanilla extract, etc.

The best way to ensure that you are selecting the right spice for your dish is to read the label carefully. If there is an ingredient list, look for "spice" among the ingredients. A common mistake cooks make is buying too much of a particular spice because they do not realize how little they need.

There are a few basic rules to follow when choosing which herb or spice to use. For example, most herbs are fresh, whereas spices tend to last longer. Also, herbs are generally found in small quantities, while spices come in larger containers. Finally, most herbs are usually sold loose (or ground), while spices are packaged in jars or cans.

As long as you are careful to select the correct herbs or spices, you will find that adding them to recipes makes preparing meals easier. After all, spices add flavor to various dishes, while herbs can help improve the appearance and aroma of food.

What herb is best for healing?

Herbs are a fantastic way to help heal our bodies. Herbal medicine has been used since ancient times and continues to grow today. There are thousands of herbs known to cure various ailments.

Some herbs are excellent for treating colds and flu, while others can treat anxiety, depression, arthritis, cancer, diabetes, heart disease, and more.

There are also herbal remedies for skin care, hair loss, weight loss, sexual health, energy, sleep, digestion, and much more.

The list goes on and on. But one herb stands above them all regarding its ability to heal. That herb is called aloe vera.

Aloe Vera is considered to be the world's most powerful healer. For centuries it has helped people heal themselves naturally without any side effects.

It's incredible how well aloe vera works. It's even better than prescription drugs and surgery.

In addition to its natural healing properties, aloe vera is highly versatile and can be used in almost any area of life, including food, beauty products, and household cleaning supplies.

You may not realize this, but aloe vera contains hundreds of active compounds, which include vitamins A, C, E, B1, B2, B3, B6, folic acid, calcium, magnesium, iron, zinc, copper, sulfur, manganese, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, chloride, fluoride, iodine, selenium and more.

These nutrients are essential for human body functions such as cell growth, metabolism, immune system support, healthy bones and teeth, healthy blood pressure levels, healthy eyesight, healthy cardiovascular systems, healthy digestive systems, healthy lungs, healthy nervous system, healthy reproductive organs, healthy skin, and healthy libido.

Statistics

• Herbs are among the most popular and widely used medicinal remedies. According to a survey conducted by the National Institutes of Health, herbs were used by over 38% of adults in the United States.
• For those with high cholesterol, garlic supplementation appears to reduce total and/or LDL cholesterol by about 10-15% (72Trusted Source73Trusted (healthline.com)

External Links

[TAG31]

• Amazon.com: Starwest Botanicals Organic Bilberries Whole, 4 Ounces: Grocery & Gourmet Food

[TAG33]

• Bouquet garni - Wikipedia

[TAG35]

• Ashwagandha | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center


• Grape Seed | Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center

[TAG38]

• Health Benefits of Culinary Herbs and Spices - PubMed


• Use of echinacea in medicine - PubMed

How To

How do I know if my herbs have been treated with pesticides?

If you see a pesticide label on your herbs, the plants were sprayed with chemicals before being sold to you.

These chemicals harm human health and could cause cancer or other serious illnesses.

Unfortunately, this practice has become common around the globe. Many countries allow farmers to spray their crops with pesticides without proper regulation.

In order not to harm themselves, consumers should always ask about the source of their produce. If it comes from a farmer near you, it’s safe to assume it was not treated with pesticides.

However, there are still ways to ensure that your herbs are free from harmful chemicals.

However, if you want to ensure that your herbs aren’t contaminated, you can purchase organic herbs directly from the farm.

This way, you won’t need to worry about the safety of your herbs. You can trust that they weren’t exposed to harmful chemicals.

Resources:

[TAG41] In this video we are starting out seedlings for our winter growing in the Tower Garden and we're taking you along for the journey! We'll show you just how easy

[TAG42] Hope you enjoyed this video and thank you for your support. Don’t forget to like, share and subscribe. PLEASE FOLLOW ME IN FACEBOOK https://www.facebook

[TAG43] Who was the Marble Looking Man? Paul Sinclair shares his accounts of unusual and strange happenings in an around East and North Yorkshire. We now have

[TAG44] COFFEE MOANING the PODCAST ON APPLE PODCASTS: https://podcasts.apple.com/gb/podcast/coffee-moaning/id1689250679 ON SPOTIFY:

[TAG45] Are you eating healthy bread? If so, this video is a must-watch before you take another bite of those seemingly innocent slices. Bread might be a staple, but

[TAG46] Learn herbs from respected professional herbalists offering world-class herbalist training. The NEW Professional Herbalist Course includes courses on over 600

[TAG47] Patrick Bet-David, Adam Sosnick, Tom Ellsworth and Vincent Oshana discuss Bill Maher's appearance on Roseanne Barr's podcast where he denies knowing MK Ultra,

[TAG48] Use Code THOMAS25 for 25% off Your First Order from SEED: https://www.seed.com/thomasyt Obesity Pandemic - Willpower vs Genes vs Environment This video

[TAG49] Harvesting self-grown vegetables - bursting with emotions when the old lady handed over the red book Thank you for watching my video. Wishing you good health,

[TAG50] In This Video I'm Gonna Show You How To Find And Farm All 7 Herbs In Terraria! Enjoy ! :) #terraria #guide #tutorial

[TAG51] Former President Trump in recent remarks is now working to portray President Biden as a threat to democracy, saying Biden 'is the destroyer of American

[TAG52] Find out more about herbs and how to use them

[TAG53] Read about our list of the best citrus bergamot supplements and how they may help to reduce cholesterol levels, balance blood sugar levels, and more.

[TAG54] SPONSORED CONTENT When it comes to finding the best herb suppliers, there are many different places you can shop. However, ... Read more

[TAG55] Black seed oil is a popular herbal supplement used to improve blood sugar, support heart health, reduce inflammation, enhance brain ... Read more

[TAG56] Join me in this new episode as I’m sharing five medicinal benefits of hops, as well as an interesting way for you to work with hops in a hops oil recipe.

[TAG57] In this episode, I’m sharing five steps to take so that when you do commit to a particular course of study, you’ll know you’ve chosen the very best one for YOU.

[TAG58] Like life, tea is what you make of it and The Cup of Life helps individuals enjoy tea in more than one way. Join me on my tea adventures through my blog!

[TAG59] Weight loss can be a great way to manage your overall health, especially if you want to reduce your risk ... Read more

[TAG60] Have you ever wondered how to become an herbalist? Herbalism is the art and science of using herbs for health. ... Read more

[TAG61] In this episode, you’ll learn all about holy basil benefits for your heart, immune system, brain health and so much more. And don't miss my new ebook!

[TAG62] The gifts of bee balm include promoting digestion, helping you recover from colds and the flu, fighting fungal and yeast infections… and many more!

[TAG63] Find out how to make a marshmallow root tea recipe for the best marshmallow root benefits and experience one of our most healing and soothing medicinal herbs!

[TAG64] A tea assessment platform that rates teas based on objective quality markers and a sensory evaluation resulting in a list of the best teas produced each year.