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Phacelia??
clarawicks
Posts: 53
in Plants
morning all
i had an empty spot in my border, being a complete novice and not knowing a) what I can grow successfully or b) what I like, I bought a mr forhergills gro-mat in blue mix. I thought that way I get a good mix and any I like I can buy packs of seeds next year..
anyway, it's growing well, but one sort in particular is dominating (to the point I think the other seeds on the mat may not produce).
the bumpf on the packaging says your seeds may include but not limited to x y z (photo below). Having googled the possibilities, I think this is Phacelia?? Any thoughts? Just starting to get flower buds in the top now, long strong slightly hairy stems.
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Yes , I think that is Phacelia. The bees love it, other stuff may germinate later. (hopefully)
Phacelia tanacetifolia indeed, one of, if not THE best plant for bees.
Ah great thanks
I currently have knautia, cirsium and cornflowers and am loving watching the bees, so will fit in nicely 
Its worth growing phacelia just for the bees as with a chart you can identify the different types
Its good to educate the children who are our future Allotmenteers !!
https://bumblebeeconservation.org/about-bees/identification/common-bumblebees/
Its the best of the Green Manures in my opinion
Im sure its the same all over the UK but on our allotments in Bristol there is a constant HUMMMM of bees............its just magical
Newboy2 thank you for this!!! My boys will love this!
Some of yesterday's visitors on the knautia melton pastels (which are now staked and looking fab)
http://www.foxleas.com/make-a-bee-hotel.asp
I have built one at my home and at my allotment and at the hospital I vollie at
The children are captivated when the holes are blocked up with soil and they imagine how big the baby bees are and .......etc....etc their eyes literally SHINE with light
The mental health patients are also interested at the hospital in their garden