May is an exciting time for wildlife in the garden. Many birds are busy feeding their chicks, and insects are becoming more active. Here’s what to look for and how to help your garden visitors.

Hedgehogs

Hedgehogs are starting to look for mates in May. You may hear their snuffling noises as they try to attract females. Hedgehogs need water to drink, especially in dry weather. You can help them by leaving out a shallow dish of water in a sheltered spot.

Bees

Bumblebees and other bees are important pollinators. They are especially active in May, collecting nectar and pollen to feed their young. You can attract bees to your garden by planting flowers that bloom in May, such as poppies, lavender, and rosemary. You can also provide a bee hotel, which is a nesting site for solitary bees.

Hoverflies

Hoverflies are beneficial insects that eat aphids and other pests. They need water to lay their eggs. You can attract hoverflies to your garden by providing a shallow dish of water with pebbles or sticks in it, so that the flies have a place to land.

Frogs and Toads

Frog and toad tadpoles are growing legs in May. They will soon be ready to leave the water and start exploring your garden. You can help them by making sure there is a safe way for them to exit the pond.

Birds

Great tits and blue tits are busy feeding their young in May. Each chick needs to eat around 100 caterpillars per day. You can help the birds by ensuring that your plants are well-watered so that the caterpillars have enough to eat. You can also leave out food for the adult birds, such as bird seed or mealworms.

Avoid putting out peanuts at this time of year, as there is a small risk of baby birds choking on large chunks of nut.

Red Mason Bees

Red mason bees are building nests in May. They use mud to line their nest cells. You can attract red mason bees to your garden by providing a bee hotel.

Slow Worms

Slow worms are starting to mate in May. The females will remain pregnant throughout the summer and give birth to live young in August. Compost bins are a popular choice for breeding, so take care when turning yours.

Bats

Bats are emerging from hibernation in May. They will be feeding on insects and looking for roosting sites. You can attract bats to your garden by planting night-blooming flowers, such as evening primrose and moonflower. You can also provide a bat box, which is a nesting site for bats.

How to Help Wildlife in Your Garden

Here are some tips on how to help wildlife in your garden:

• Provide water for drinking and bathing.
• Plant flowers that bloom in May to attract pollinators.
• Provide nesting sites for bees, birds, and bats.
• Avoid using pesticides and herbicides.
• Let your garden grow wild in some areas to provide cover for wildlife.

By following these tips, you can create a wildlife-friendly garden that is full of life and activity.

Introduction

As summer draws to a close, many insects are still actively foraging for food. Providing nectar-rich plants in late summer can give these pollinators the energy they need to survive the winter months.

Benefits of Nectar-Rich Plants

Nectar provides insects with energy to fly and build up their reserves for hibernation. By growing nectar-rich plants, you can help pollinators like bees, butterflies, and hoverflies survive the cold months.

Best Late-Summer Nectar Plants

Here are some of the best plants to grow for late-summer nectar:

Verbena Bonariensis

• Tall, delicate plant with a long flowering season
• Attractive to butterflies and moths
• Will naturalize all over the garden if left to seed

Hedera Helix (Ivy)

• Climbing evergreen that provides nectar and pollen until late November
• Holly blue caterpillars feed on ivy leaves
• Many insects hibernate in its foliage

Buddleja

• Late-flowering shrub that provides nectar when other plants have finished blooming
• Attracts bees, moths, and hoverflies

Hebe

• Many cultivars flower from late summer to autumn
• Attracts bumblebees, honeybees, butterflies, moths, and hoverflies

Sedum (Hylotelephium Spectabile)

• Trusty, late-flowering favorite
• Pink flowers provide a landing pad for pollinators

Symphyotrichum Novi-Belgii (Michaelmas Daisies)

• Named after the autumn equinox
• Attracts butterflies, moths, bumblebees, honeybees, and hoverflies

Other Late-Blooming Nectar Sources

• Asters
• Goldenrod
• Zinnias
• Sunflowers
• Coneflowers

Tips for Encouraging Pollinators

• Leave plants standing in autumn to provide shelter for insects and wildlife
• Birds will strip seedheads, providing a wonderful show
• Avoid using pesticides, which can harm pollinators

Conclusion

By providing nectar-rich plants in late summer, you can help pollinators survive the winter months and continue to play their vital role in our ecosystem. These plants are easy to grow and will add beauty to your garden while supporting these important insects.