Neonicotinoids (neonics) are mostly commonly used in farming where they are applied as seed coatings for crops such as oilseed rape. Many studies have linked these chemicals to the decline in our pollinator population. In horticulture neonics can be found in pesticides and insecticides that are used to keep the plants free from attack and disease. You may yourself even be using items that contain neonics as they are  in products such as Bayer Ultimate Bug Killer.  Sadly, some growers will be selling plants as “bee friendly” that have been treated with neonics, so not bee friendly at all! As neonics are systemic  – meaning they can be taken up by the roots of the plants and translocated to their leaves, flowers and pollen, they effect the entire plant and in turn the pollinator. WE DO NOT USE ANY SUCH PRODUCTS ON THE NURSERY.