Weeds grow in gardens like it or not, but did you know that some common weeds are twice as likely to attract bees as wildflowers? It’s time to put away your weed pullers…
According to new research from the University of Sussex, ‘dangerous’ weeds like ragwort, thistles and docks are of underappreciated value in supporting our natural biodiversity – and help some of the highest rated insects to thrive.
As part of the study, the researchers conducted a field study in East Sussex where they analyzed the three common weeds, along with other wildflowers. They compared the biodiversity of plants classified as noxious weeds and found that four times as many pollinator species have been recorded visiting weeds compared to wildflowers.
“There is now a substantial body of evidence that shows that weeds are a vitally important resource for pollinators,” said study author Dr Nicholas Balfour. MailOnline.
dock factory
Philip OpenshawGetty Images
“All three insect-pollinated species have open flowers that provide access to a wide variety of pollinator species, and they produce, on average, four times more nectar sugar than DEFRA-recommended plant species. Pollinators are essential for maintaining global biodiversity, ecosystem resilience and agricultural production.”
While the research highlighted good news, the researchers also said they were very concerned about the decline of pollinators and the long-term decline of flowers in our landscapes.
Thistles in the garden
Dominik Hasala / 500pxGetty Images
“We are aware that agricultural weeds can lead to yield losses in arable land and pasture,” adds Dr Nicholas. “However, we have shown that they can also be of great value to flower-visiting and herbivorous insects – and should not be underestimated when it comes to supporting our natural biodiversity.”
We may be eliminating weeds from our flower beds and lawns quickly, but they are really important for the insects that visit the flowers.
17 best gardening tools to buy now, including spades, trowels and rakes
Give your garden plants some love this summer with this useful multi-tool. Finished in titanium with brass fittings, this tool has six different functions including a pruner, root puller, knife, saw, bottle opener and easy weeding utensil.
Kneeling and Seating — Best Gardening Tools
Kneeling and garden seat
thompson and morgan thompson-morgan.com
£23.99
Protect your knees when gardening with this handy green kneeling and seat. It was made with steel tubing and comfortable polypropylene foam so you can garden in comfort. There is also a small pocket on the side, which makes it easy to store your tools while you work.
Protect your hands with these practical gray gardening gloves, made from a comfortable nylon and spandex lining. Ideal for potting and pruning, they feature a breathable lining and a non-slip nitrile coating.
Great Gift Idea — Best Gardening Tools
Spear and Jackson Kew Garden Complex
Lance and Jackson amazon.fr
£26.03
Developed in conjunction with the horticultural team at Kew Garden, this set includes a weeding fork, hand trowel and transplanting trowel. Ideal if you are looking for a gift.
Crafted from wood and stainless steel, this attractive set of garden tools is just what every gardener needs. Leather hooks make hanging in a shed easy, while the trowel has been marked in centimeters and inches to make planting easier than ever.
Every garden needs a wheelbarrow. In a classic green, this lightweight style from Argos is ideal for gardening, DIY and equestrian uses.
Digging spade — Best gardening tools
RHS Burgon and Ball Stainless Steel Spade
With a longer handle to relieve back pain, this stainless steel digging shovel was created for all digging jobs. Plus, the hardened steel blade is rust resistant and will hold its edge without regular sharpening. Perfect for any avid gardener.
Watering Can — Best Gardening Tools
HAY HAY watering can
HAY selfridges.com
£30.00
Keep your plants happy and healthy with this terracotta watering can. Designed by Shane Schneck, it features an anti-spill rim and a shape that holds the weight of water at its base.
Tried and tested by the Good Housekeeping Institute, this garden fork from Sophie Conran is a stylish addition to any outdoor space. Crafted from stainless steel with a waxed beech wood handle, it features sharp teeth that cut through hard and soft floors with ease.
Kneeling Pillow — Best Gardening Tools
Sicilian lemon knee cushion
When life gives you lemons… buy a stylish knee pillow. With a generous size and soft foam padding, you can be sure to comfortably tackle those weeds without any pain.
Seeds – Best Gardening Tools
PICCOLO SEEDS Herbes De Provence Seed Collection
PICCOLO SEEDS selfridges.com
£1.00
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You’ll find eight handy tools in this set, including pruning shears, hand trowel, planter, weeder, cultivator, hand rake, gardening gloves and a tote bag. At just £40, it’s a real steal purchase.
Topiary Shears – Best Gardening Tools
26″ Topiary Hedge Shears by Kent & Stowe
Trim your hedge the way you want with these 66cm topiary shears. Ideal for trimming and shaping, they have narrow pointed blades, rubber shock absorbers and a long-lasting ergonomic design.
READ MORE: How to get rid of moles in the garden
Grass Trimmer — Best Gardening Tools
Bosch EasyGrassCut 18-230 Grass Trimmer
Delivering a high performance cut with a clean finish, this grass trimmer from Bosch features an easy cut feature that allows you to quickly go from cut to cut. Ideal for easily reaching difficult places.
Rake – Best Gardening Tools
wooden rake
gardentrading.co.uk
£20.00
Sweep up fallen leaves and debris with this handy wooden rake from Garden Trading. Crafted from beech, the strong wooden handle provides support, while the tines allow for efficient raking.
Trowel and pruner — Best gardening tools
Burgon & Ball Flora & Fauna Trowel & Secateurs Set
Presented in a beautiful box, this set includes a trowel and pruning shears. Featuring artwork from the RHS Lindley Library, they are both a stylish and practical addition to any garden.
Electric Lawn Mower — Best Gardening Tools
Bosch Rotak 34 R electric lawn mower
robertdyas.co.uk
£104.99
This electric lawn mower helps you easily cut long grass with its innovative built-in grass combs and lightweight design.
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