The bee's knees

Bees are the new hens. Hip urbanites have taken to welcoming bees into their gardens becasue they work hard at pollinating berry bushes and fruit trees such as apple, gooseberry, pear and plum. Tempt them into staying by offering five-star accommodation gratis. These bee nests (above) by Wildlife Garden come in yellow or red and have carefully selected bamboo canes. They're available to buy in The Blue Door in Monkstown, Co Dublin (01-2301894), and online at thebluedoordirect.ie. They cost €50.