Dead-heading to help bees

Gardeners have always removed dead flowers to extend a plants flowering period. It’s a very simple practice - if you have the time and patience - and of course, more flowers for us also means more flowers for the bees.

I find that it is more effective on some plants than others. Cenraurea montana (perennial cornflower) is just beginning to finish flowerin in my garden but a bit or dead-heading will give it another week or so. After that I will cut the whole plant back the base and it may give some more flowers later in the season.