Be Friendly to Bees – Bee-friendly Gardening

Bee-friendly gardening and planting is a simple and effective way to support the health of our ecosystem and the bees that play a vital role in it. These tiny creatures play a crucial role in the ecosystem and are responsible for the pollination of a large portion of the fruits, vegetables, and nuts that we rely on for food. Unfortunately, the bee population has been in decline due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and disease. By creating a bee-friendly garden or landscape, we can help to support their survival and contribute to the health of our environment.

One of the most important things to consider when creating a bee-friendly garden is the variety of plants that are included so as to provide a source of nectar all year round. Bees are attracted to a wide range of flowers, including native wildflowers, herbs, and vegetables. Some of the best plants for attracting bees include lavender, alliums, thyme, foxgloves, honeysuckle, crocus, and sunflowers among many other. These plants provide a source of nectar and pollen for the bees, which they use as a source of food. In addition, many of these plants are also great for adding colour and interest to a garden.
Here are a few aspects to consider when choosing plants that are suitable for bees.

Single flowers, rather than double, have a central part, where all the pollen and nectar are, that is easy to reach for the bees.

Flowers that are purple in colour are also a favourite. Bees can see the colour purple better than any other colour. However, this doesn’t mean you should totally discard all other colours!

Tubular and bell-shaped flowers are also loved by bees. Not only do they have the perfect shape for their long tongue, but they also provide protection from predators and refuge from the sun.

Another important aspect of bee-friendly gardening is providing a source of water for the bees. Bees need water to stay hydrated and to dilute the nectar they collect. A shallow dish filled with water and a few small stones or pebbles can provide a great source of water for bees. It’s also important to make sure the water is not too deep, as bees can’t swim and will drown if they fall in water too deep.

Another way to support bees is by providing them with a safe place to nest. Many bees, such as bumblebees and mason bees, nest in the ground. By leaving a small patch of bare ground or creating a small mounded area in your garden, you can provide a safe place for these bees to nest. Additionally, you can also provide nesting sites by creating a “bee hotel” with wooden blocks or tubes in your garden. These can be purchased from beekeeping supply stores or you can make your own out of hollow stems or bamboo tubes.

It is also important to avoid using pesticides and other chemicals in your garden. Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, and can even kill them. Instead, consider using natural pest control methods such as companion planting, hand-picking pests, and using organic fertilizers.

If you’re interested in creating a bee-friendly garden or landscape, but you’re not sure where to start, don’t hesitate to reach out for advice. Our zero-emission approach, low-noise and organic gardening is the best way to start your bee-friendly garden.