Bees, bees and more bees. This was one if not the first I saw this year back in February. There are not many on the wing that early but the Snowdrops (Galanthus) at the back of the garden attract the few there are.

 This big bumbler came out of hibernation when the Crocuses were out in spring. I remember it clambered around them half asleep to comical effect and became thoroughly dusted in pollen.

 London streets, parks and gardens are blessed with many species of Prunus -the flowering cherry trees- which is manna for the bees in springtime.

 White Deadnettle (Lamium maculatum) is a widespread weed/wildflower. As I always say: a list of UK weeds and a list of UK wildflowers is pretty much the same list.
 Looking at this photo I am reminded that an old Scottish colloquial name for bumblebee was "Red Arsie".

 Dame's Violet (Hesperies matronalis) is a plant that attracts butterflies and moths but this year the clump in the garden attracted numerous bees too.

 Geranium x oxonianum spreads vigorously, is smothered with flowers through the summer and attracts bees large and small.

 All the Comfreys (Symphytum) are great bee plants. By having several species in the garden it's possible to have at least one variety in flower from early spring to mid-summer.

 Flowering plants co-evolved with bees. For example Valerian (Valeriana officinalis) provides a convenient landing platform for bees to rummage around and do their work.

 Viper's Bugloss (Echium vulgare). Studies always name it as one of the top bee plants.

 The ladder of success. When bumblebees see a tower of flowers like Purple Loosestrife (Lythrum salicara) they start at the bottom and work their way to the top.