Pollination

Whilst I was driving with our daily flower deliveries in Derby, I listened to this morning’s BBC Radio 4 discussion about pollinators, I was struck by just how much we depend on these tiny creatures. It’s easy to take them for granted, but without them, our world—and our plates—would look very different.

The programme explored the fascinating process of pollination, which is essentially nature’s way of ensuring plants reproduce. While some plants rely on the wind or water to move their pollen around, most need a helping hand (or wing, or fuzzy little leg). That’s where pollinators come in—bees, butterflies, beetles, birds, and even bats all play a role in carrying pollen from one flower to another, making sure plants can produce fruit and seeds.

Bees often steal the spotlight when we talk about pollination, and for good reason—they’re incredibly efficient. But I was interested to hear about the other, often-overlooked pollinators, like hoverflies, moths, and even beetles. Each species interacts with plants in its own unique way, shaping the diversity of flowers we see around us.

Of course, the conversation wasn’t all rosy. Pollinators are facing serious threats, from habitat loss to pesticide use and climate change. The discussion highlighted how urban sprawl and intensive farming have stripped away the wild spaces these creatures rely on. Warmer temperatures are also causing plants and pollinators to fall out of sync—if flowers bloom too early or too late, their usual visitors might not be around to do their job.

This isn’t just a problem for nature lovers; it directly affects our food supply. Many of the crops we eat—apples, strawberries, almonds, and even coffee—depend on pollinators. Without them, our diets would be far less colourful (and much less tasty).

But it wasn’t all doom and gloom. The programme also explored ways we can help, from planting wildflowers and reducing pesticide use to supporting bee-friendly farming. Small changes, like leaving a patch of your garden a little wilder or planting pollinator-friendly flowers, can make a real difference.

Listening to the discussion, I was reminded of how interconnected everything in nature is—and how a little awareness can go a long way in protecting the tiny creatures that do so much for us. If you missed it, I’d definitely recommend catching up on BBC Sounds. It’s a great listen and might just make you appreciate the next bee or butterfly you see a little more.  Watch this space as we will explain how Selena's Contemporary Flowers's sustainable business practices in our future blogs