Gardeners urged to plant key shrubs in summer to attract bees and butterflies

Gardeners urged to plant key shrubs in summer to attract bees and butterflies One expert has said that they are ideal whether you have a small or big garden No matter the size of your garden, there are plenty of plants and shrubs to take home if you want to create a welcoming habitat and attract wildlife year-round. But there are a few specific plants you may want to include in your garden to attract these beautiful animals. Think colourful butterflies and buzzing bees. Ceri Thomas, Editor of Which? Gardening, notes that shrubs make your garden look better. And the right ones can attract, protect, and shelter wildlife, turning your garden into a natural haven. Having studied horticulture at university and spent her career editing gardening content, and has now rounded up some of the best native and non-native shrub varieties to help support your garden visitors all year round. Plant these shrubs this summer She explains: "Summer is a great time of year to sit back and let nature bloom, but that doesn't mean you can’t be proactive in looking after wildlife. Blossoms will attract small insects, which will serve as a nutritious food source for birds. "You can help even more by topping up bird feeders and leaving out fresh water to keep wildlife hydrated." Read what the expert has to say below. Hebe These plants are "native to New Zealand" and is a "garden favourite." She explains: "Hebes are fantastic for attracting a number of insects, from pollinators like bees to hoverflies. Plus, the evergreen foliage provides great shelter for small birds all year round. Hebes are usually small and fairly low maintenance, only requiring a trim during the late summer to maintain neatness." Elder (sambucus) Great during the months of June and July, "elders are hedgerow shrubs usually found lining ditches and fields. They are hardy growers, with bright flowers in early summer. The blossoms are wind-pollinated and can produce berries over the following months, which provide nourishment for hungry birds." Buddleia (Buddleja globosa) Naming another shrub ideal for gardens, the expert says: "While wild buddleia can be unruly and somewhat invasive, the Buddleja globosa (or ‘orange ball tree’) may be easier to get under control for your garden. As is clear by its nickname, ‘the butterfly bush’, buddleia is perfect for attracting butterflies. "During the day it also attracts bees, and moths by night. Cut all the stems back to 45-60cm tall in March to encourage vigorous growth and the best display of flowers. The orange variety is slightly slower growing than the purple, so ideally prune it after the flowers have finished while leaving some longer stems through the winter to protect bugs and wildlife."