Look out the window.

Is your garden looking a little dreary and neglected?

Despite this week’s sleet, snow and frost, spring is on the way so now is an excellent time to wrap up warm and prep your garden for warmer weather.

Now there’s a way to grow a fabulous flower patch of beautiful stems for cutting while helping to protect our endangered pollinators.

Mags Riordan of Bumblebee Flower Farm in Drimoleague has launched a free online programme called Ollie’s Garden – A 2021 Pollinator Planting Plan for a 120cm by 275cm bed.

Named after her grandson, Mags’ plan contains all the simple information you need to prep, plant and look after your garden, along with a schedule of monthly Instagram live sessions where you can ask questions and get expert advice to help you on your way.

“I have designed a pollinator planting plan which will give people beautiful flowers by the summer to cut and use in their own homes,” Mags told Yay Cork.

 

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“This plan is free as I want to give back and say thank you for all our customers’ support and to bring some beautiful, vibrant colour and scent into everyone’s lives, especially during these Covid times. Getting out into the garden, reconnecting with nature, spending time with family, getting involved with helping our bees is all part of what the plan is about.”

The first Instagram Live will take place here on February 14th, 2021 and a newsletter will go out at the start of each month as a reminder of what you may need for the weeks ahead.

“By the end of the summer, we’ll all be wildlife gardening with a purpose in a fun family orientated way.” said Mags.

“The plan is a suggestion and if there are other flowers you’d prefer to grow then by all means do. That’s the beauty of the live Q&A – I can answer any questions you may have.”

Ready to get busy growing your own bee-friendly bouquets? Find out all about Ollie’s Garden here.