Enjoying Gardens at a Distance

Native Honeysuckle, *Lonicera* sp., scents the air as you pass by. On RHS list of Garden Plants for Pollinators. (Caprifoliaceae) © Karen Andrews

The Coronavirus shutdown has led to a greater appreciation of the trees, shrubs and other plants in my immediate environment. I have been lucky that it has been possible to sit out in a garden and go for daily walks in quiet countryside. I have enjoyed not only the plants in our garden, but also those in gardens that I pass on my daily exercise walks. I pay particular attention to fragrant plants with pollinators. This photo blog shares a few of my discoveries.

Double-flowered Peonies, *Paeonia* sp., peep over the garden fence. Double-flowered species are not generally recommended for pollinators. As Peonies featured in a recent TV episode of Gardeners’ World, I checked the buds for ants on the nectar of unopened buds, but didn’t notice any. I love the way this white Peony opens from a pink bud. (Paeoniaceae)
© Karen Andrews

California Lilac, *Ceanothus* sp. with an incoming bumblebee. This shrub was so popular with bumblebees and honey bees that it buzzed and hummed with their constant activity. It appears on the RHS list of recommended garden plants for pollinators. (Rhamnaceae) © Karen Andrews

Pendulous, yellow racemes of local Laburnum trees are stunning. You can hear unseen pollinators buzzing overhead as you pass. Unfortunately, the tree is poisonous to humans, but bees love it. (Fabaceae) © Karen Andrews

The scent of this aromatic Mexican Orange Blossom, *Choisya* sp., was somewhat dampened by the rain when I passed it. Some shrubs have an ability to look stunning no matter what the weather. (Rutaceae) © Karen Andrews

White Lilac, *Syringa vulgaris*, perfumes the air with its heavenly fragrance. Its white flowers stand out even on a dull day. Lilac provides a nectar source for butterflies and can act as a corridor for wildlife between a garden and the countryside (Oleaceae) © Karen Andrews

© Karen Andrews

Copyright Note

Karen does not seek or receive any commercial interest or advantage from this blog. She is not promoting any business venture. She simply loves to share fascinating facts about plants. These pages illustrate her love of plants, botany, biodiversity, gardens and creative expression. There is always so much to learn about plant diversity. This blog is designed as a showcase for photography, commentary on plants and wildlife, gardens and other places visited, horticulture and related topics. Viewpoints are her own, not those of her employer.

© Karen Andrews 2018 onwards. All rights reserved. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog’s author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Karen Andrews and BotanyKaren.net with appropriate and specific direction to the original content.

References and Further Reading

RHS (2020): Native and non-native plants for pollinators. RHS Gardening.
RHS (2020): Plants for Pollinators (with downloadable lists).
Teasdale, Paul (?): A gardener’s guide to butterfly-friendly plants. Natural History Museum.

Copyright Note

References and Further Reading

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