Interflora creates The Beequet to counter bumblebee crisis Unique collaboration with Bumblebee Conservation Trust to beshowcased at Interflora World Cup next month
Interflora is countering the dramatic decline in bumblebee numbers with a unique bee-friendly bouquet.
The Beequet will be exclusively showcased at next month's Interflora World Cup, and is comprised of flowers that provide the highest nectar and pollen counts.
Carefully handcrafted by Interflora's highly skilled florists it also includes some of the brightest and most easily accessible blooms to attract and make pollination as easy as possible for the UK's bumblebee population.
The Beequet is made up of Sunflowers, Scabious, Sedum, Agapanthus, Eryngium, Dahlia, Achillea, Fresh Lavender and Myrtle.
It has been developed in collaboration with The Bumblebee Conservation Trust, who are one of seven special guest speakers in the Inspiration Zone at the Interflora World Cup, which is taking place in Manchester from the 7th to the 9th of September.
The Trust will be sharing their findings from its latest BeeWalk Report into bumblebee numbers - which highlights a worrying decline in populations of some UK bumblebees species which hit a record low in August last year following the July heatwave.
The world's most prestigious floristry competition sees competitors from across the globe battle it out for the ultimate title of Interflora World Champion. Tickets start from £15 and are available here now.
Erica Nicholson, Senior Brand Manager at Interflora comments: "Without bees there would be no flowers, and no Interflora World Cup, so we're delighted to work with the Bumblebee Conservation Trust to create the bouquet specifically designed to promote the importance of boosting the bee population.
"The Beequet not only features some of the most dazzling colours and patterns featured in so many British gardens, but also blooms with among the highest pollen and nectar counts. We're showcasing flowers that are utterly irresistible for bumblebees, it just so happens they are pretty irresistible to us too. They're the perfect choice to bring a bit of colour and energy to your garden, all while attracting those bees!.
"For anyone looking to find out more about how to make their own garden a haven for bees, the Bumblebee Conservation Trust will be sharing their expertise at the unmissable Interflora World Cup in Manchester this September."
Gill Perkins, CEO from the Bumblebee Conservation Trust adds: "As a society we are increasingly dependent on pollinators, 84% of all crops grown in the UK require pollination and much of the dependence is linked to wild pollinators. But some of our commonest bumblebees are in decline, the loss of 97% of our wildflower meadows since 1940 has been the driver, but climate change, agricultural intensification, the increased use of pesticides, and urban spread has all played a part.
"That's why we're grateful to work so closely with Interflora, to highlight this crisis and show the nation what they can do to help restore the population. We're looking forward to the Interflora World Cup next month, where we'll be sharing even more tips and advice on how to make your gardens and outdoor spaces a sanctuary for bumblebees ."
Bumblebee Conservation Trust's Top Tips For Boosting Bee Numbers
1. Build your own Bumblebee 'n' B
Some bumblebees like to nest in bird boxes - put some moss, dry grass or straw and find the perfect spot, preferably a sunny and sheltered nook, to give your buzzy guests a proper welcome for their summer stay.
2. Bee a responsible gardener
Toss those pesky pesticides aside - bees don't like them. Embrace nature's organic army of ladybugs and praying mantises to be your pest control squad. It's like having an eco-friendly army protecting your garden.
3. Buzz-worthy garden makeover
Go rogue and designate a patch to wild flowers that bees adore, or plant a vibrant mix of bee-friendly flowers like lavender, heather, foxgloves, sunflowers, and wildflowers like birds-foot trefoil or clovers for a gorgeous garden refresh - perfect to watch those adorable fuzzballs flock to your floral extravaganza.
For more information or to buy tickets, please visit: https://www.interflora.co.uk/world-cup
For more information on the Bumblebee Conservation Trust, please visit: https://www.bumblebeeconservation.org/