Save the Bees

Create a Pollinator Friendly Garden

Planting a wide variety of flowers and trees is one way to help save our pollinators. When planning your garden remember to add flowers that will bloom in early spring as well as flowers that will keep blooms all the way into late fall/early winter. Plant flowers of many varieties. This helps to ensure that you are providing something for all pollinators as they all have different needs. It also helps to provide more balanced nutrition for them. Just like humans, they need a wide variety of pollen and nectar to be the healthiest they can be.

Part of having a pollinator friendly garden is also being aware of what you are using in your yard. Is it safe? Double check the label and if you are not sure, ask a sales associate. Pesticides, Herbacides, and Fungacides can all have a harmful affect on pollinators, so always keep that in mind. If you absolutely have to use something in your yard it is best to do it when the sun is going down and the bees are heading back to their colony. Keep in mind…some things will still have an affect on pollinators even if sprayed at night as they can be absorbed into the flowers. Always try to garden as organically as possible.

Flowering trees are not only a great source for the bees, but they also help our environment by cleaning the air. Trees absorb the CO2 and release oxygen back into the air. They can provide shade to help keep your home cool in hot summers as well. There are many benefits to planting trees in your yard.

Water Source

Pollinators need water too. Birds, Bees, Butterflies, and more! Having a water source in your yard is another great way to help our pollinators. Bees can fly up to five miles from their hive. Hot summer days can deplete them, so having a drinking station for them to stop and rest is so important.

A bird bath is a great way to provide a drinking station. Keep water clean and be sure to add some rocks, sticks, or anything that can be a resting spot for them to drink from without falling in.

A List of Pollinator Friendly Plants

This is just a basic list. Be sure to add plants that are native to your area and always check to make sure it isn’t an invasive species. A simple internet search can answer most of your questions.

Lavender is one of my favorites for many reasons. Lavender is a hearty herb that does not require a lot of maintenance, it does well in dry conditions for those that don’t want to worry about watering every day. Lavender provides many blooms from Summer until late fall providing food for many months. Plus, who doesn’t love the smell of lavender? (I know there is someone saying me right now…lol).

Sunflowers are a big one! Not only do sunflowers provide food late into fall when bees are storing up for winter, but the pollen that sunflowers provide are some of the best nutrients you can provide for our bees.

Bee Balm, Honeysuckle, Cosmos, Jasmine, Crocus, Coneflower, Zinnia, Butterfly Bush, Lilac, Thyme, Russian Sage, Mint, Goldenrod, Phlox, Poppies, Hyacinth, Snow Drop, Catmint, Alyssum, Aster, Calendula, Day Lily, Delphinium, Oregano, Daisy, Yarrow, Queen Annes Lace, Lupine, Rosemary, Basil, Strawberries, Blueberries, and so many more.

Don’t forget all of those fruits and vegetables that require pollination to fruit. Squash, Melons, Pumpkins, Potatoes, Onions, Mustard, Beets, Broccoli, Cabbage, Cauliflower, Turnips, Peppers, Tomatoes, and so much more.

Remember 1 out of every 3 bites of food you eat is because of pollination. Bees are so important, so let’s all do our part to help save them.