When it comes to plant families , the composite family (Compositae) is the absolute leader in terms of numbers. Think daisies, ox-eye daisies, sunflowers, thistles, cosmos, dandelion and knapweed. This family is crucial for wild bees, bumblebees, butterflies and hoverflies thanks to the easily accessible nectar and pollen and their long flowering period. In second place is the rose family (Rosaceae) with e.g. hawthorn, blackthorn, wild roses, apple, pear, blackberry, raspberry and strawberry. They provide nectar and pollen, serve as host plants for caterpillars, and provide nesting sites for certain bees, beetles and true bugs. Other valuable families are the legumes (Fabaceae) - all clovers, vetches, sweet peas - and lip-flowered (Lamiaceae) - mint, deadnettles, betony, thyme, and heal-all. With their tubular flowers, they are more likely to attract insects with longer tongues, such as bumblebees and certain wild bees. Clovers are also host plants for blues. The umbellifers (Apiaceae) are one of the most insect-rich plant families. They provide valuable nectar for hoverflies, beetles and parasitic wasps and are host plants for butterflies. So why not plant cow parsley, wild carrot, fennel or dill in your garden. By deliberately combining plants from different families, you offer a broad spectrum of insects exactly what they need. The more variety, the more biodiversity.