Normally at this time of year the bees cluster around the Queen to keep her warm in the hive. However, this year's mild temperatures are tempting our bees out into the garden to start foraging. Scented winter shrubs are the perfect addition to any winter garden & will provide sweet perfume for you & pollen for the bees on sunny days. One of my favorites is the Viburnum. Producing clusters of white or pink flowers to adorn the bare wood stems, they are strongly scented & extremely attractive to our honeybees. Last year, after a prolific flowering in January, having spoilt us every morning with her delicious scent, our trusty 'Daphne' just gave up. It was with a heavy heart that we dug out her roots. In honour of her beauty we have re-planted & we await her January gifts as do the intrepid little honey bees!
