Bug Hotels
Opening a bug hotel is a great way to encourage beneficial insects into your garden. Many of these little creatures do important jobs like pollinating flowers and eradicating pests. Larger animals such as birds, fish and frogs also rely on insects for food.
We have three bug hotels at Barton Grange, two outside The Farm Shop and one in our outside plant area.
With their natural habitats under increasing pressure, it’s more important than ever than we offer new spaces for insects to thrive.
Pollinators such as butterflies, moths and solitary bees (most of which are stingless) need a warm, dry space to build their nests and hibernate during the winter months. These bugs will reward your kindness by helping to pollinate your flowers and vegetables.
Pollinating insects collect nectar from the flowers and in doing so move pollen from flower to flower. This pollination is what plants need to grow.
Many insects also offer a free natural pest control service which avoids the need to use chemical solutions. Creatures like ladybirds for example are brilliant at helping to control sap-sucking aphids.
And then there are the decomposers which are a type of bug that will eat anything dead or rotting in your garden. These include spiders, centipedes and beetles. They will help to reduce issues such as fungi and rotting vegetation.
Bug hotels can also add interest to your garden. We stock a range of decorative multi-chamber designs in a choice of attractive styles and sizes in our Outdoor Area and our Wildlife Section.
They are a great way to introduce children to the wonders of the natural world. Putting an insect hotel in your garden gives kids a chance to get a close up view of these fascinating mini beasts.
So what are you waiting for?
Install a bug hotel like us in your garden today and wait for your helpful new guests to check in.
