RHS explains how to attract bees and butterflies with June planting

Ensure your garden is a hive of activity this summer by planting flowers that will draw in bees and butterflies. Pollinators are vital to our environment as they naturally transport pollen from one plant to another, aiding their reproduction.

The presence of wildlife not only enhances the aesthetic appeal of any outdoor space, but also plays a significant role in maintaining the delicate balance of our natural environment. The Royal Horticultural Society has shared some tips for creating the perfect ecosystem for pollinators to flourish.

The key is to create a border of flowers around your garden that will attract these beneficial insects. The first step is to consider what type of wildlife you'd like to draw in. It's also crucial to find the right spot to plant them. Each needs a warm, sunny place with well-draining soil, reports the Express.

Purple Haze

There are several colourful plants that are excellent for attracting pollinators, including salvia nemorosa, verbena bonariensis and geranium psilostemon. All three plants have small purple flowers that will add vibrancy to your garden. Honey bees are on the lookout for a flower that blooms early in the summer season, which is why salvia nemorosa is ideal.

Yellow Delight

If you're after a splash of yellow, foeniculum vulgare, also known as 'Purpureum', will have butterflies flocking to your garden in no time. The tiny yellow flower clusters provide nectar that is easily accessible for pollinators. The biennial and perennial has aromatic leaves in the summer, and it grows small fruit by the fall.

Best of blue

Anything with blue flowers is great for attracting wildlife, the RHS said. Geranium 'Blue Cloud' or Nepeta racemosa 'Walker's Low' are good choices. Both plants will flower during spring and summer, with foliage lasting until fall. Leave the seed heads on the plants over winter, and they'll be a source of food for insects in the colder months.