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There are several plants in the Mediterranean that can help benefit bird populations by providing food, shelter and breeding sites.
Here are some examples:
- Berry bushes: plants such as rowan (Sorbus), elderberry (Sambucus), privet (Ligustrum) and hawthorn (Crataegus) bear berries that serve as food for many bird species.
- Wild roses (Rosa): Wild roses not only have beautiful flowers, but also rose hips, which serve as a food source for birds.
- Dogwood (Cornus): Dogwood species such as red dogwood (Cornus sanguinea) and cornelian cherry (Cornus mas) bear fruits that serve as food for birds.
- Chestnut (Castanea sativa): The fruits of the sweet chestnut are appreciated by birds, especially woodpeckers and jays.
- Olive tree (Olea europaea): the olive tree not only provides shelter and nesting sites for birds, but also insects as a food source for birds.
- Oak (Quercus suber): Oaks provide shelter for birds and bear acorns, which are used as food by woodpeckers, jays and other bird species.
- Wildflower meadows: Creating wildflower meadows with different native flower species attracts insects, which in turn serve as food for birds.
- Bamboo: bamboo provides shelter and protection for birds as well as food in the form of bamboo seeds and insects that inhabit the bamboo.
- Reeds (Phragmites): Reed provides shelter and nesting sites for many bird species in its dense culms.
- Bird feeders: Placing bird feeders and regularly feeding birds with seed mixes can support the bird population and provide them with an additional food source.
There is a wide variety of plants in the Mediterranean that provide food for insects. It is important to note that in order to support insects, it is best to provide a variety of plants that flower throughout different seasons, ensuring a continuous food source.
Here are some examples:
- Daisies (Bellis perennis): Daisies are small flowers with yellow centres and white petals. They provide food for many insects, including bees and butterflies.
- Phlox (phlox): Phlox plants have showy, fragrant flowers and provide nectar and pollen for several species of insects including bees and butterflies.
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus): Cornflowers are pretty, blue flowers that provide an important food source for bees and other insects.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are known not only for their decorative value but also as an attractive food source for bees, butterflies and other insects.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel has yellow flowers that provide nectar for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Mallow (Malva): Malva plants have large, colourful flowers that are an important food source for bees, butterflies and other insects.
- Snapdragon (Antirrhinum): Snapdragons have showy, tubular flowers that attract bees and bumblebees.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): sage not only provides spicy leaves for cooking, but also flowers that provide food for bees and other pollinating insects.
- Tagetes (Tagetes): Tagetes plants have bright orange or yellow flowers that provide nectar for bees and other insects.
- Wildflower mixes: Planting wildflower mixes that contain different native flower species can be an excellent way to create a diverse food source for insects.
There are a variety of plants in the Mediterranean that attract bees and provide them with food.
Here are some examples:
- Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender is one of the most popular plants for bees. Its fragrant flowers attract a variety of bee species.
- Sunflower (Helianthus annuus): Sunflowers are known not only for their decorative value but also as an attractive food source for bees.
- Cornflower (Centaurea cyanus): Cornflowers are pretty blue flowers that attract bees and provide them with nectar.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): sage has showy, fragrant flowers and is a popular choice for bees.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): Rosemary not only offers spicy leaves for cooking, but also flowers that attract bees.
- Thyme (Thymus): Thyme is an aromatic plant that attracts bees with its small, fragrant flowers.
- Borage (Borago officinalis): The blue flowers of borage are not only beautiful to look at, but also provide a rich food source for bees.
- Phacelia (Phacelia tanacetifolia): Phacelia is a bee-friendly plant with pretty purple flowers that attract bees and provide nectar.
- Mallow (Malva): Malva plants have large, colourful flowers that are an important food source for bees.
- Clover (Trifolium): clover is an important forage plant for bees. There are several types of clover, including red clover (Trifolium pratense) and white clover (Trifolium repens).
- Chicory (Cichorium intybus): The blue flowers of chicory are a valuable food source for bees, especially honey bees.
- Verbena (Verbena): verbenas have bright flowers in different colours and are known to attract bees.
There are numerous plants in the Mediterranean that attract and benefit butterflies by providing food and habitat.
Here are some examples:
- Butterfly bush (Buddleja): Butterfly lilacs are known for their ability to attract a variety of butterfly species. They have fragrant flowers and come in a variety of colours.
- Bummer lilac (Buddleja davidii): Similar to the butterfly bush, the summer lilac also attracts many butterfly species. Its fragrant flowers are often available in various shades of pink, purple and white.
- Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender is not only an aromatic plant but also a magnet for butterflies. The fragrant flowers attract numerous butterfly species, including swallowtails and lemon butterflies.
- Borage (Borago officinalis): The blue flowers of borage attract butterflies and at the same time provide food for their caterpillars. This plant is also known for its edible flowers and flowery aroma.
- Phlox (phlox): Phlox plants have showy, fragrant flowers and are attractive to butterflies such as the Admiral Butterfly and Small Fox.
- Marigold (Calendula officinalis): marigolds are not only beautiful flowers but also an important food source for butterflies and their caterpillars. They have bright orange or yellow flowers and are easy to grow.
- Mallow (Malva): Malva plants have pretty, colourful flowers and attract several species of butterflies, including the Small Kingfisher and Peacock butterfly.
- Common water milfoil (Achillea millefolium): Common water milfoil has small, white flowers that attract butterflies such as the C butterfly and the Small fox.
- Cranesbill (Geranium): cranesbill plants have pretty flowers and attract butterflies such as the peacock butterfly and the admiral.
- Verbena (Verbena): Verbena plants have bright flowers in different colours and attract butterflies such as the Small Fox and the Lemon Butterfly.
These aromatic plants are not only known for their culinary uses, but also often have a long tradition in herbal medicine and are valued for their essential oils.
- Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): rosemary is an aromatic plant with an intense fragrance. Its needles are used as a spice in Mediterranean cuisine and lend a spicy flavour to many dishes.
- Thyme (Thymus): Thyme is a versatile aromatic plant that comes in different varieties. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine to flavour meat, sauces and soups.
- Basil (Ocimum basilicum): Basil is a popular aromatic plant with a sweet, aniseed-like fragrance. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for salads, sauces and pesto.
- Oregano (Origanum vulgare): Oregano is an aromatic plant with a strong, spicy flavour. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine as a spice for pizza, pasta and stews.
- Mint (Mentha): Mint is a refreshing aromatic plant with a cooling menthol smell. It is used in many Mediterranean drinks, such as the mojito, and desserts.
- Lemon balm (Melissa officinalis): lemon balm has a lemony scent and flavour. It is often used in teas, drinks and desserts, giving them a refreshing note.
- Lavender (Lavandula): Lavender has an intense, calming fragrance. It is used not only in perfumery but also in cooking for desserts, syrups and flavoured oils.
- Sage (Salvia officinalis): Sage has a strong, spicy aroma. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for meat dishes, soups and sauces.
- Fennel (Foeniculum vulgare): Fennel has a sweet, aniseed-like flavour and fragrance. It is used in Mediterranean cuisine both raw and cooked in salads, soups and sauces.
- Tarragon (Artemisia dracunculus): Tarragon has a spicy, aniseed-like flavour. It is often used in Mediterranean cuisine for sauces, marinades and dressings.