It's obvious when you think about it. Bees transfer pollen between flowers. So why not give yourself a head start by making sure the bees have their home base right next to your hybridising garden?  

That's how Marco sees it, and fortunately for him, bee-keeping has been a hobby of his since he was 11 years old.

He has hives of Buckfast bees just next to the garden, where they can do their thing blissfully unaware of the impact their nectar collecting makes on the gardening world.

These Buckfast bees originate from the Buckfast Abbey in England and, as you can see, are a particularly docile species. Their honey is for sale at the nursery and has a magnificent flavour.

And yes, the bees have been credited for their efforts in the naming of the Geranium ‘Jolly Bee’.

For sale. Real Dutch honey.