The relationship of bees and flowers is a close and interdependent one that has evolved over millions of years. A good knowledge of this relationship not only helps beekeepers to ensure their honeybee colonies are healthy and productive, but also introduces the beekeeper to the fascinating world of plants, their form and function and the ways in which bees and plants have adapted for mutual benefit.

This book is about the European honeybee, Apis Mellifera, and the flowers and plants it utilises in the British Isles. It is principally intended as an introduction to beekeepers to provide an insight into relationships between bees and flowers. However gardeners, naturalists, entomologists, biologists, agriculturalists, horticulturalists and those interested in conservation will all find something of relevance to their interests.

David Aston, Ph.D., NDB. is a biologist, a Master Beekeeper and holder of the National Diploma in Beekeeping.

Sally Bucknall, Ph.D., M I Biol. is a biologist and environmentalist.