Gardeners were urged yesterday by the government to plant more flowers that bloom in winter to help protect our bees.

Planting flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in winter will help the insects survive the coldest part of the year.

Lord Gardiner, Defra's Minister for Rural Affairs and Biosecurity said planting winter blooming flowers will 'keep our pollinators happy and healthy all year round.

Gardeners were urged yesterday by the government to plant more flowers that bloom in winter to help protect our bees

'Whether you have access to acres of land or just a window box, everyone can play a part in helping these vital insects thrive.'

Calling for everyone to take action to help bees and pollinators over the winter, Lord Gardiner said: 'Bees are a much-loved feature of English summertime and crucial contributors to our biodiversity and our economy.

'But it is important not to forget bees' needs during the winter months too, when providing food and a home are more important than ever.

Planting flowers, shrubs and trees that thrive in winter will help the insects survive the coldest part of the year. A good winter flowering plant for bees is the evergreen mahonia (pictured)

'Planting evergreens for winter food and leaving areas of gardens undisturbed through the winter to provide homes mean we can all help pollinators emerge safely in the spring.'

A good winter flowering plant for bees is the evergreen mahonia, as is winter flowering clematis.

Allowing ivy to grow will also help – as they will provide food in late autumn.

Other tips include leaving places for bees to hibernate. This includes allowing areas of a lawn to grow until the spring.

North-facing banks are good places for bees to burrow, and the hollow tubes of dead stem plants can provide good nesting spots.

As well as winter blooms, bulbs that flower early like crocus, primrose, and snowdrops are useful for foraging hungry bees in the early part of the year.

Another good option is winter flowering clematis (above). Other tips include leaving places for bees to hibernate. This includes allowing areas of a lawn to grow until the spring

Lord Gardiner was speaking at an awards ceremony at Kew Garden for groups who have helped bees all over England.

In Sydenham, south London, Grow Mayow community garden was singled out for providing a nectar bar for bees.

Hanging flower baskets in Carnaby Street, central London were also commended.

Paul de Zylva of Friends of the Earth, one of the organisations working with the Government to put the National Pollinator Strategy into effect, said: 'These terrific Pollinator Heroes from across the country show how everyone can help bees and pollinators anytime, anyplace, anywhere — all year round and wherever we live.

'The beauty is, you don't have to wait for summer to start playing your part in reversing bee and pollinator decline.