Pollinator Strip: Lavender, borage attract bees herbs

Creating a pollinator strip with lavender and borage is an excellent way to support bee populations in your garden. These two flowering plants are highly attractive to a variety of bee species, including bumblebees and solitary bees. The vibrant purple of lavender and the cheerful blue of borage offer a rich nectar and pollen source, essential for bee foraging and colony health.

To establish your pollinator strip, choose a location that receives at least six hours of sunlight per day. Well-draining soil is crucial for both lavender and borage to thrive. If your soil is heavy clay, amend it with compost or grit to improve drainage. Prepare the planting area by removing any existing weeds, as they will compete with your chosen plants for resources.

For lavender, select varieties known for their hardiness and appeal to pollinators. English lavender (Lavandula angustifolia) is a popular choice, offering a long blooming season and a sweet fragrance that bees adore. Consider planting several lavender plants in a cluster to create a more significant visual and olfactory draw for pollinators. Space them according to their mature size, typically 18-24 inches apart, to allow for good air circulation, which helps prevent fungal diseases.

Borage (Borago officinalis) is an annual herb that readily self-seeds, meaning once planted, it can return year after year. Its star-shaped, blue flowers are exceptionally high in nectar, making it a favorite among bees. Borage also has a unique characteristic: its flowers are edible and have a mild cucumber flavor, adding a culinary benefit to your pollinator strip. Sow borage seeds directly into the prepared soil in early spring, after the last frost. You can sow them in succession every few weeks to ensure a continuous bloom throughout the summer and into autumn. Borage prefers full sun but can tolerate partial shade. It generally grows to about 2-3 feet in height and can spread, so give it adequate space or consider interplanting it with other, more compact flowers.

When planting, ensure the root balls of lavender plants are adequately moistened. Dig holes twice as wide as the root ball and just as deep. Gently loosen any circling roots before placing the plant in the hole. Backfill with soil, pressing gently to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. For borage, simply sow the seeds at a depth of about half an inch and cover lightly with soil. Water gently to settle the seeds.

The combination of lavender and borage creates a visually appealing display with contrasting colors and forms. The upright spikes of lavender provide a structural element, while the sprawling growth of borage adds a more informal, cottage-garden feel. The continuous bloom from spring through fall ensures that pollinators have a consistent food source. Lavender typically blooms from early summer to late summer, while borage flowers from early summer until the first frost.

To maintain your pollinator strip, minimal intervention is usually best. Avoid using pesticides, as these can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects.