Garden Bees Cotton Tea Towel with Hanging Strap

This cotton tea towel carries the Garden Bees design, a chart of garden bees set among the plants that draw them in. Printed on a natural cream ground, it shows bumblebees, mason bees, mining bees and carder bees, each one numbered and labelled with its common name and its Latin name in small type beneath. Between them grow foxglove, knapweed, buddleia, cornflower, bluebell, rosemary, lavender, hollyhock, flowering currant and sweet pea, with a bright sunflower near the centre, all beneath a heading that reads Garden Bees and bee attracting plants. It is made from 100% cotton and measures 50cm wide and 70cm long, a generous size for drying a full rack of pans and plates.

It belongs in the kitchen first, by the sink or over the oven rail, where it earns its keep through the washing up and brings a little of the garden indoors while it does. The cream background sits easily with painted wood, white tiles and country kitchens, and the mix of yellows, pinks, reds and blues picks up any flowers on the windowsill. Because the illustrations are so clear, it also works as a simple wall hanging in a utility room or a garden room, and it makes a handy reference for matching the bees you see outside to their names.

The tea towel is fully hemmed, and a hanging strap on one corner lets it hang neatly from a hook or a peg by the cooker. Cotton is naturally absorbent, which is just what you want when the plates are stacking up. Wash it at 30°C and iron on a low heat; do not dry clean, bleach or tumble dry it, and let it dry on a line or an airer instead. For a present, fold it neatly and tie it with garden twine, or tuck a packet of flower seeds inside.

How big is the Garden Bees tea towel?

It measures 50cm wide and 70cm long, a generous size for drying pans, plates and glasses at the sink.

What is the tea towel made from?

It is made from 100% cotton, which is naturally absorbent and practical for everyday drying up in the kitchen.

How do I wash the tea towel?

Wash it at 30°C and iron it on a low heat. Do not dry clean, bleach or tumble dry it.

Can I hang the tea towel up?

Yes, it has a hanging strap on one corner, so it hangs neatly from a hook, a peg or a rail.

Which bees and plants are on the design?

It shows bumblebees, mason bees, mining bees and carder bees, each with its common and Latin name, among plants such as lavender, foxglove, cornflower and sunflower.