Photography by Marcus Urbenz.
Introduction
The planet’s on fire, and bees are holding the trenches. Okay, not literally—but these tiny powerhouses are the unsung heroes of our food chain. No bees, no life as we know it. And yet, we’re out here spraying chemicals on our lawns and wondering why bees are dropping like flies.Here’s the deal: bees are struggling. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are turning their world into a dystopian nightmare. But before you throw your hands up and say, “What can I do? I’m just one person!”—stop. Because you can do something! And it’s easier than you think.All it takes is a few flowers, a couple of trees, and the willingness to let your garden get a little wild. In this article, we’re giving you the no-BS guide to creating a garden that actually matters. One that doesn’t just look pretty but saves bees, supports the planet, and maybe even earns you some eco-friendly bragging rights. Ready to stop scrolling and start planting? Let’s dig in.
A Year-Round Meal: Check Bloom Timing to Keep Bees Fed
A bee-friendly garden is a garden that doubles as a consistent food supply. Bees need nectar and pollen throughout the year, not just during the spring and summer months. To achieve this, you’ll have to research (yes, we’re giving you homework) the bloom times of different flowers, and plan your garden so that something is always in bloom. It also means your garden will look cool twelve months out of twelve, so the effort’s absolutely worth it.
Short & Sweet: Why Short-Blooming Flowers Shouldn’t Be Your Focus
Short-blooming flowers are overrate. Let me explain! They can be beneficial, as all flowers tend to be, but they usually do not provide as much sustenance as longer-blooming varieties. They’re really pretty, yes, but our focus is on pollinators! Depending on the space you have available, you might have to maximize the impact of the garden by choosing some varieties over others. So put down that pot of poppies, and start with flowers that have longer blooms. The bees will thank you.
If you have a big enough garden, though, do feel free to add some tulips and daffodils, which have fleeting blooms: the bees will love them as much as you do!
Not All Flowers Are Equal: How to Choose
You don’t go for just anybody… Well, neither do bees. They are attracted to specific characteristics in flowers, including nectar production, color, scent and shape. Here’s what you should keep in mind while choosing flowers:
- Bees are particularly drawn to blue and purple flowers.
- They prefer larger petals or flat surfaces because it provides an easier landing.
- They love flowers with high nectar production, such as lavender or borage.
Bees are not the only pollinator, though, so feel free to tailor this advice to the species you’re interested in attracting. For instance, hummingbirds tend to prefer tubular flowers like honeysuckle, while night-blooming flowers will attract moths and other nocturnal pollinators.
Trees Are The Ultimate Bee Buffet In Your Backyard
Trees don’t take a lot of space, surface wise, but they do produce a crazy number of flowers, which makes them incredibly efficient to feed pollinators. All you need is a tree (apple, magnolia, cherry… you choose!) Plus, they provide shade and structure to your garden, which you’ll be able to enjoy as much as bees will.
Shrubs Are The Second Ultimate Bee Buffet In Your Backyard
Okay, a tree is a pretty big commitment. What about shrugs? They’re another excellent way to support bees. They offer, just like trees, a high density of flowers in a small area, making it easier for bees to forage. Not convinced yet? What if we tell you that some shrubs, in mild climates, actually bloom year-round, ensuring a constant food source for your buzzing bees…
Time To Embrace Weeds (Yes, We’re Serious)
Some weeds suck, and you won’t be able to fight the urge to get rid of them. We know, we understand. But some are fantastic for bees, and luckily, they’re pretty cute! So instead of going berserk and eradicating every weed in your garden, leave a few patches for your pollinators: clovers and dandelions especially. These plants are often rich in nectar and pollen, providing and easy food source for bees.
Low Maintenance Is The New Chic: The Secret To A Thriving Garden
Not exactly as low maintenance as letting your weeds thrive, but choosing to home native plants is pretty much the next best thing! They’re already adapted to your local climate and soil, so they’re easier to grow and maintain. (Note: if your thumb is more red than green, then this might be the secret to the end of your flower-killing habits!) Besides, they’re also perfect for local pollinators, since they’ve evolved alongside them. Wildlife will bloom with these flowers, be it birds and butterflies, which will in turn create a thriving ecosystem in your garden.
Let Your Vegetables Garden Double As A Bee Feast
If you have a green thumb, then you might already be the proud owner of an edible garden. Did you know you can turn use some of it to make a few bees happy? All you have to do is let some of your vegetables go to flower. Plants like broccoli, kale, and herbs (such as basil and cilantro) produce flowers that bees love.
Ditch The Chemicals
This one is easy enough, but reminders don’t harm anyone. Pesticides, herbicides and synthetic fertilizers can harm bees and other insects. While a few bugs might seem annoying to you because they are munching on your salad, eliminating them could potentially harm precious wildlife. So if you can, opt for organic gardening practices:
- Natural pest control methods exist! Introducing ladybugs, planting marigolds, etc.
- Fertilize with compost or organic matter. By providing a safe haven for wildlife, they’ll reward you with a vibrant, thriving garden.
- If you must use pesticides (must being the most important word here), then choose a bee-safe option and apply it in the evening when bees are less active.
A Bee Oasis Is Only Complete With Water And Shelter
Attracting bees is all well and good but what kind of host would you be without offering water and shelter? Not all bees have hives to go back to, so leaving some piles of leaves or dead wood can be a good way to provide nesting sites for them. A shallow water source, such as a birdbath with stones for bees to land on, is also something you should install if you have the space.
Spread The Buzz In Your Community
A lot of these options are extremely accessible… The only thing people need is a small nudge in the right direction. So it’s time for you to be the change you want to see in the world: share your knowledge with your friends, your family, even your coworkers! The more people create pollinator-friendly spaces, the greater the impact will be.
