early bumblebees

[nightshade]

What plants do you suggest, to make sure there is nectar around when the bumblebees start cruising? I have flowering current,dead nettles and leave dandelion clumps there must be others

[wildone]

I used to find Winter flowering heathers attracted early Bumblebees. Those flying in January and February on mild days.

[Imaginos]

White Dead Nettle is one of the most important early season flowers for Queen bumblebees. Others to look out for are Ground Ivy, Willow (I counted 6 species on one tree last April) and the winter heathers mentioned above.

[pheonix]

i saw a bumble bee sunday

it must be so mild that it came out of torpour for a bit.

[merlinsboy]

I saw a bee last week in the garden. Feeding on Winter flowering heathers, Winter jasmine and hebes.