Something nice for me, and nice for the bees?

[happyhumph]

Some of the 'patio' trees could be worth a try. Depends how warm/sheltered you are if you can have peaches. I'd love to but on top of a hill with 90mph winds in winter I've got no chance! Thanks for the welcome

[SusieG]

I've a large GH - was thinking of overwintering a small 'patio' tree in there ......

Whereabouts are you, happyhumph..?

[planetologist]

Sage. Especially bumblebees love it. And brassicas, even if you've cut off and eaten most of a cabbage it will still be able to produce flowers. All beans are popular too.

[happyhumph]

Hi SusieG

I'm in South Pembrokeshire - quite mild, don't really get snow or much in the way of frost, just lots of rain & strong winds where I am!

Haven't tried peaches in containers/GH - should be fine but you'd need a big pot - at least 50cm I should think, & keep on top of watering/feeding. Think you might need to hand pollinate if inside when flowering.

If you look on the RHS they have good info explaining different rootstock - bit to much to go into here. If you're after apples/pears/plums/quinces/gages etc try buying bare root in autumn/winter. Cheaper & often get a better choice.

Could also try globe artichokes - eat some & leave the rest to flower - great big purple thistle like flowers. Also sunflowers- although you'll have to fight the birds for the seeds...

Sorry, I've gone on a bit haven't I?

[wild]

Elderflower and honeysuckle smell fabulous

[Madasafish]

Phacelia tanacetifolia - great smell and bees and butterflies LOVE it. Great nectar yields.

Urban Pollinators: Phacelia tanacetifolia – a great plant for bees

It also is a green manure.