Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Bees

1. Introduction

Pollinators, especially bees, play a vital role in our ecosystem. They are responsible for pollinating a significant portion of the food we consume, as well as many plants that maintain ecological balance. Bees contribute to the reproduction of over 75% of flowering plants and about one-third of the food we eat. However, bee populations have been steadily declining over the years due to various environmental threats. This decline has prompted the need for action to protect and support bee populations.

Several factors contribute to the decline of bees, including habitat loss, climate change, pesticide use, and the spread of diseases. As bees are crucial for pollinating plants and crops, their decline directly impacts food production and biodiversity. Therefore, creating pollinator-friendly environments is crucial to reversing this trend.

One of the most effective ways to help support bee populations is by planting pollinator-friendly plants. These plants provide bees with a reliable source of nectar and pollen, which are essential for their survival. In this article, we will guide you on selecting the best plants that can attract and support bees, ensuring a healthier environment for pollinators. Whether you're looking to start a garden or enhance your current landscaping, here are the key takeaways:

• Why pollinators, especially bees, are essential for our ecosystems.
• The dangers facing bee populations and the urgent need for protection.
• The role of pollinator-friendly plants in supporting bee health and providing necessary food sources.
• How to select the best plants to attract bees and create a thriving pollinator-friendly garden.

By the end of this article, you'll have all the information you need to create a bee-friendly space in your garden, from the right plant choices to essential care tips. Let's dive into the world of bee-friendly plants and how you can make a difference in supporting these invaluable pollinators.

 

2. Why Pollinator-Friendly Plants Are Essential for Bees

Pollination is the process through which plants reproduce, and it relies heavily on pollinators such as bees. During pollination, bees transfer pollen from one flower to another, facilitating the fertilization of plants. This process is crucial not only for the survival of plants but also for the production of many foods, as well as for maintaining biodiversity within ecosystems.

Bees, in particular, are among the most efficient pollinators. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they inadvertently transport pollen, which results in cross-pollination. This helps plants produce seeds, fruits, and vegetables, which are essential for food production. In fact, bees contribute to the pollination of around 75% of flowering plants, and approximately one-third of the food we consume is directly or indirectly dependent on bee pollination. Without bees, our food supply would face a serious crisis.

Unfortunately, bee populations have been steadily declining in recent decades, and this has serious consequences for both agriculture and ecosystems. Several factors contribute to this decline:

• Habitat Loss: Urbanization, agricultural expansion, and deforestation have reduced the natural habitats where bees thrive.
• Climate Change: Shifts in climate patterns affect flowering times and the availability of food for bees.
• Pesticides: The use of harmful chemicals in farming can poison bees and weaken their immune systems.
• Diseases and Parasites: The spread of diseases and parasites like Varroa mites weakens bee colonies.

By planting pollinator-friendly plants, you can directly help support bee populations. These plants provide bees with a continuous source of nectar and pollen, which are essential for their survival and reproduction. Moreover, by creating a garden or landscape that supports bees, you contribute to maintaining biodiversity, improving soil health, and supporting healthy ecosystems. Additionally, having these plants in your garden offers numerous benefits:

• Increased Pollination: More bees in your garden means better pollination for your plants, leading to improved yields for fruit and vegetables.
• Enhanced Biodiversity: Pollinator-friendly plants attract a variety of insects, birds, and other beneficial wildlife, enriching your local ecosystem.
• Eco-Friendly Gardening: Planting for bees often involves using organic gardening practices, reducing the need for chemical fertilizers and pesticides.

3. Types of Pollinator-Friendly Plants

When it comes to attracting and supporting bees, choosing the right plants is crucial. There are several types of pollinator-friendly plants, each with unique benefits that can suit different garden needs. These include perennials, annuals, shrubs, trees, and native plants. Let’s explore the characteristics of each plant type:

3.1 Perennials: Long-Lasting and Easy to Maintain

Perennials are plants that live for more than two years, often coming back year after year. They are a great choice for pollinator gardens because they provide a continuous bloom with minimal maintenance.

• Benefits of Perennials:
  • Low-maintenance: Once established, perennials require less care than annuals.
  • Year-after-year blooms: These plants bloom each season, providing bees with consistent nectar and pollen.
  • Attracts multiple pollinators: Many perennials attract a wide variety of pollinators beyond just bees.

Popular perennial choices for bees include coneflowers, lavender, and bee balm. These plants provide a long-lasting and reliable food source for bees throughout the growing season.

3.2 Annuals: Fast-Growing, Vibrant Flowers for Short-Term Bloom

Annuals are plants that complete their lifecycle in one year. They tend to bloom profusely during the growing season, offering vibrant colors and abundant nectar for bees. Although they need to be replanted each year, they provide a quick, stunning boost to a garden’s pollinator appeal.

• Benefits of Annuals:
  • Quick-growing: Annuals bloom quickly, providing bees with an immediate nectar source.
  • Vibrant flowers: Annuals tend to produce bright, eye-catching flowers that attract bees and other pollinators.
  • Great for filling gaps: Annuals can be used to complement perennials, filling in gaps in your garden’s bloom schedule.

Some great annuals for attracting bees include sunflowers, cosmos, and zinnias. These flowers will quickly create a pollinator-friendly environment in your garden.

3.3 Shrubs and Trees: Larger, Long-Term Investments

Shrubs and trees are larger plants that can provide significant long-term benefits to pollinators, particularly bees. These plants can be especially valuable in larger garden spaces or for creating habitat in more natural landscapes.

• Benefits of Shrubs and Trees:
  • Long-term growth: These plants can live for many years, providing a steady food source for pollinators.
  • Support for nesting: Many shrubs and trees offer habitat for bees and other pollinators to nest.
  • Provide shade and shelter: They can offer bees respite from extreme heat or bad weather.

Examples of bee-friendly shrubs and trees include elderberry, serviceberry, and black locust. These larger plants can offer bees abundant nectar and pollen for multiple seasons.

3.4 Native Plants: Why They Are Particularly Beneficial to Local Bee Populations

Native plants are species that naturally occur in your region. They have evolved alongside local pollinators, making them especially beneficial for attracting and supporting native bee populations.

• Benefits of Native Plants:
  • Well-adapted to local conditions: Native plants thrive in your region’s climate, requiring less water and fewer resources.
  • Ideal for local pollinators: These plants are specifically tailored to attract and support native bee species.
  • Promote biodiversity: By planting native species, you help maintain and restore local ecosystems.

Some native plants that attract bees include purple coneflower, milkweed, and goldenrod. Choosing native species ensures that the pollinators in your area have access to the plants they need for survival.

 

4. Top Pollinator-Friendly Plants for Bees

Creating a bee-friendly garden means selecting plants that not only provide nectar and pollen but also create an environment where bees can thrive. Below, we’ll look at different types of plants that are particularly beneficial for bees. These include wildflowers, herbs, flowering trees and shrubs, and groundcovers. By incorporating a variety of these plants, you can ensure a steady food supply for bees throughout the seasons.

4.1 Wildflowers: Nature's Gift to Pollinators

Wildflowers are an essential part of any pollinator-friendly garden. Their natural beauty and wide range of nectar-rich blooms make them an excellent choice for attracting bees. Wildflowers often bloom in clusters, providing bees with a concentrated food source.

• Examples of Wildflowers That Attract Bees:
  • Coneflowers: Known for their large, daisy-like flowers, coneflowers are rich in nectar and very attractive to bees. They are easy to grow and come in a variety of colors, making them a versatile addition to your garden.
  • Sunflowers: These bright, large flowers are perfect for attracting bees. They provide an abundant nectar source during the late summer and early fall.
  • Clovers: Both red and white clovers are excellent for attracting bees. They grow quickly and can be used as ground cover, providing a steady food source in your garden.

4.2 Herbs: Bee-Friendly and Useful in the Kitchen

Many herbs are not only bee-friendly but also add flavor and fragrance to your kitchen. These herbs tend to have small flowers that are packed with nectar, making them perfect for attracting bees.

• Bee-Friendly Herbs:
  • Thyme: Thyme produces tiny flowers that bees love. It’s a low-maintenance herb that also works well in cooking.
  • Lavender: A well-known bee favorite, lavender’s fragrant flowers are packed with nectar. It blooms profusely during the summer months and is a great addition to any garden.
  • Rosemary: The small blue flowers of rosemary are a great nectar source for bees. This herb also serves as an evergreen shrub, adding year-round value to your garden.
  • Mint: Bees are attracted to the small flowers that mint produces. It’s easy to grow and can spread quickly, making it ideal for attracting pollinators.

4.3 Flowering Trees & Shrubs: Long-Term Investments for Pollinators

Flowering trees and shrubs are an excellent choice for a long-term, sustainable pollinator habitat. These larger plants provide abundant nectar and pollen and often bloom in early spring or late fall when other sources may be scarce.

• Flowering Trees & Shrubs for Bees:
  • Black Locust: Known for its fragrant white flowers, the black locust tree is a favorite among bees. It blooms in late spring and provides a rich nectar source.
  • Serviceberry: This small tree produces white flowers in early spring, providing one of the first nectar sources for bees after winter.
  • Elderberry: Elderberry shrubs or small trees offer beautiful clusters of flowers in late spring, followed by fruit in the summer, which are both beneficial for bees and other wildlife.
  • Willows: Early bloomers like willows offer a crucial nectar source for bees in the spring, making them valuable in regions with long winters.

4.4 Groundcovers: Low-Maintenance Plants that Attract Bees

Groundcovers are a great option for filling in spaces between other plants while also attracting bees. These low-growing plants cover the soil and provide a steady supply of nectar for bees. Groundcovers are often excellent choices for smaller gardens or areas where you want to keep the ground covered.

• Groundcovers for Bees:
  • Clover: As mentioned earlier, clover is not only great as a wildflower, but it also works as an effective ground cover. It’s easy to grow and provides a continual food source for bees.
  • Creeping Thyme: This herb forms dense mats of low-growing flowers that attract bees, especially in the summer. Creeping thyme also has a lovely fragrance when walked on.
  • Ajuga (Bugleweed): Known for its striking purple flowers, ajuga is a versatile groundcover that bees love. It grows quickly and provides a good nectar source in the spring.

5. How to Create a Bee-Friendly Garden

Creating a bee-friendly garden involves more than just planting a few flowers. It requires careful planning to ensure that bees have a continuous source of nectar and pollen throughout the year. A well-designed garden can offer bees a safe, productive habitat while enhancing the beauty and biodiversity of your outdoor space. Below are some tips for creating a bee-friendly environment in your garden.

5.1 Garden Layout for a Year-Round Supply of Nectar

A key element of a successful bee-friendly garden is ensuring a year-round supply of nectar. Bees need constant access to food sources, and planting a variety of flowers that bloom in different seasons is essential for keeping bees fed throughout the year.

• Plan for Spring, Summer, and Fall Blooms: Select plants that bloom in different seasons to provide continuous food for bees. Early-blooming plants, like crocus and willow, help bees when they emerge from winter. Summer flowers such as lavender and sunflowers provide abundant nectar, and fall-blooming plants like asters and goldenrod ensure bees still have food as temperatures drop.
• Group Similar Plants Together: Bees are more likely to visit a group of similar plants rather than individual ones. Plant flowers in clusters to create a concentrated nectar source. This strategy will help bees gather nectar more efficiently.

5.2 The Importance of Plant Variety for Different Times of the Year

Bees rely on a variety of plants to ensure they can find food throughout the year. It’s important to choose plants that bloom at different times to keep the nectar coming in all seasons.

• Early Spring: In early spring, bees are emerging from hibernation and need food sources right away. Consider planting crocus, snowdrops, or willows to provide early nectar.
• Mid-Summer: During the summer months, when the weather is warmest, flowers like lavender, sunflowers, and coneflowers provide the most nectar and are a key food source for bees.
• Fall: In the fall, bees start to prepare for winter. Fall-blooming plants like asters, goldenrod, and sedum will help keep bees nourished as the temperatures begin to drop.

5.3 Encouraging Diverse Species and Habitats

A bee-friendly garden should provide more than just flowers. To create a thriving habitat for bees, it’s important to encourage diversity in both plant species and the overall environment.

• Nesting Sites: Bees need safe places to build nests. Leave areas of bare soil or dead wood in your garden, as many solitary bees nest in these types of spaces. You can also install a bee house to provide shelter for solitary bees.
• Water Sources: Bees need water to drink and cool their hives. Adding a shallow birdbath or a small pond in your garden will attract bees and provide them with a vital resource. Be sure to add rocks or sticks to the water source to allow bees to land safely and drink.

5.4 Using Organic Gardening Practices

One of the most important things you can do to protect bees is to avoid harmful pesticides. Many chemicals used in conventional gardening are toxic to bees and other pollinators. By using organic practices, you can ensure that your garden is a safe haven for bees.

• Choose Organic Fertilizers: Instead of using synthetic fertilizers, opt for organic alternatives like compost or organic mulch. These are safer for pollinators and help improve the health of your soil.
• Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals like neonicotinoids are harmful to bees. Use natural pest control methods such as encouraging beneficial insects like ladybugs and spiders, or use neem oil to deter pests without harming bees.
• Encourage Healthy Soil: A healthy garden starts with healthy soil. Incorporate compost, cover crops, and mulch to help improve the soil's health and structure, which in turn supports plant growth and the well-being of pollinators.

 

6. How to Attract Specific Bee Species

Not all bees are the same, and different species have unique preferences when it comes to plants, habitats, and climates. Understanding the types of bees in your area and what they need can help you create a garden that attracts a variety of bee species, ensuring a robust pollinator population. Here’s a guide to attracting specific bee species to your garden.

6.1 Introduction to Different Types of Bees

There are several types of bees that are important pollinators in gardens. Here are some of the most common species you may encounter:

• Honey Bees: These social bees live in large colonies and are the most well-known bee species. They are important for commercial pollination and thrive in gardens with a variety of flowering plants.
• Bumblebees: Larger and fuzzier than honey bees, bumblebees are excellent pollinators, especially in cooler climates. They are known for their ability to pollinate plants with deep or tubular flowers.
• Mason Bees: Solitary bees that nest in natural cavities like holes in wood or stems. They are particularly effective at pollinating fruit trees and early spring flowers.
• Solitary Bees: There are many species of solitary bees, including leafcutter bees and carpenter bees. They are generally non-aggressive and highly efficient at pollination.

6.2 The Best Plants for Different Bee Species

Each bee species has its own set of preferred plants, so understanding these preferences can help you select the right plants for your garden.

• Honey Bees: Honey bees are attracted to a wide variety of flowers. Some favorites include sunflowers, lavender, clover, and dandelions. They also enjoy plants that produce nectar and pollen in large quantities.
• Bumblebees: Bumblebees prefer larger, more robust flowers. They are particularly drawn to plants like foxglove, bee balm, and wild bergamot. Tubular flowers like trumpet vine and honeysuckle are also popular with bumblebees.
• Mason Bees: These bees are particularly attracted to early-blooming trees like fruit trees (apple, cherry, and pear). They also enjoy plants like crocus, willows, and primroses.
• Solitary Bees: Solitary bees are attracted to a wide range of flowers, but they tend to favor plants with open flowers that allow them easy access to nectar. Some favorites include purple coneflower, black-eyed Susan, and dandelions.

6.3 Tailoring Your Garden to Attract Specific Bee Species

To attract a specific species of bee, it’s important to consider both the plants and the environment you’re creating. Here’s how you can tailor your garden to meet the needs of different bee species:

• Honey Bees: Honey bees prefer large, colorful flowers and are attracted to plants that produce abundant nectar and pollen. Choose plants like sunflowers, lavender, and thyme. Additionally, honey bees need a water source, so add a shallow birdbath or pond to your garden.
• Bumblebees: To attract bumblebees, select flowers with deep, tubular blooms such as trumpet vine, bee balm, and columbine. Bumblebees also prefer cooler climates, so if you live in a warmer area, provide some shade with trees or larger plants to cool the environment.
• Mason Bees: These solitary bees are attracted to early-blooming plants. Include crocus, willow, and fruit trees in your garden. Providing nesting sites like drilled wooden blocks or reed stems can also help attract mason bees.
• Solitary Bees: Solitary bees are less social than honey and bumblebees, but they are highly efficient pollinators. Provide them with a diverse array of flowers with open faces, such as coneflowers, daisies, and asters. Ensure you have a range of plants that bloom from early spring through late summer.

 

7. Benefits of Pollinator-Friendly Plants Beyond Bees

While bees are the most commonly known pollinators, planting pollinator-friendly plants can benefit a wide variety of other pollinators as well. These plants not only enhance the health of bee populations but also support butterflies, hummingbirds, moths, and other pollinators. Additionally, the positive effects extend beyond pollination, benefiting the environment and the economy.

7.1 Other Pollinators Attracted by These Plants

Pollinator-friendly plants attract a diverse range of pollinators, including:

• Butterflies: Many butterfly species, such as monarchs and swallowtails, are attracted to nectar-rich flowers like milkweed, lavender, and butterfly bush. Their larvae also rely on specific host plants to complete their life cycle.
• Hummingbirds: Hummingbirds are drawn to brightly colored, tubular flowers. Plants like trumpet vine, fuchsia, and bee balm are perfect for attracting these tiny birds, which help pollinate flowers as they feed on nectar.
• Moths: Moths, especially night-flying species, are attracted to plants with fragrant, pale-colored flowers that bloom at dusk or night. Plants like evening primrose, moonflowers, and nicotiana are ideal for attracting moths.

7.2 Environmental Benefits

Pollinator-friendly plants provide numerous benefits to the environment, such as:

• Soil Health: These plants contribute to soil health by providing organic matter and promoting a healthy ecosystem. Their deep roots help prevent erosion, improve soil structure, and enhance water retention.
• Improved Biodiversity: Pollinator-friendly plants support not only bees but a range of beneficial insects and wildlife, improving overall biodiversity in the garden and surrounding environment.
• Natural Pest Control: By attracting beneficial insects, such as predatory beetles and ladybugs, these plants help control garden pests naturally, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.

7.3 Economic Benefits

Pollinator-friendly plants also have economic benefits, particularly when it comes to agriculture:

• Supporting Local Food Systems: By boosting pollination rates, these plants help improve crop yields, which is especially important for local food systems. Pollination supports the production of fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds that are essential for human consumption.
• Boosting Crop Pollination: A healthy population of pollinators, including bees and other insects, is vital for the pollination of many crops, which in turn helps farmers increase productivity and reduce crop losses.

8. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Planting for Pollinators

While planting pollinator-friendly plants is a great step toward supporting local ecosystems, there are some common mistakes that can undermine your efforts. Being aware of these pitfalls and avoiding them will help create a more effective and welcoming environment for pollinators.

8.1 Choosing the Wrong Plants

One of the most common mistakes is selecting plants that do not provide the necessary resources for pollinators. Some key issues to watch out for include:

• Non-native species: Non-native plants may not provide the right type of nectar or pollen that local pollinators need. These plants can also be invasive, taking over local ecosystems and outcompeting native plants that pollinators depend on.
• Plants with no nectar: Not all flowering plants are rich in nectar, and some may not provide any at all. It's important to choose plants known for their nectar production, such as lavender, coneflowers, and sunflowers, to attract and nourish pollinators.

8.2 Over-Fertilizing or Using Pesticides

Over-fertilizing or using chemicals can harm pollinators and disrupt their habitats. Avoid the following:

• Over-fertilizing: Excessive use of fertilizers can lead to nutrient imbalances in the soil, reducing plant health and making flowers less appealing to pollinators. It can also contribute to runoff that harms nearby water sources.
• Using pesticides: Pesticides, even those labeled as "bee-safe," can have harmful effects on pollinators. They can kill or disorient bees and other beneficial insects. It's best to use organic gardening practices and only use pesticides when absolutely necessary and targeted at specific pests.

8.3 Lack of Variety in Bloom Times

Pollinators need a continuous supply of nectar throughout the growing season. Failing to include a variety of plants that bloom at different times can result in periods when food is scarce for bees. Ensure that your garden has:

• A mix of early, mid-season, and late-blooming plants to provide food for pollinators from spring through fall.
• Plants with staggered bloom times, so pollinators can always find something to feed on during their active months.

8.4 Neglecting to Provide Shelter or Water Sources

Pollinators need more than just food; they also require shelter and water to thrive. Common mistakes in this area include:

• Neglecting shelter: Without safe spaces for nesting and shelter, bees and other pollinators may not stay in your garden. Provide habitat options such as bee hotels or undisturbed patches of ground for solitary bees.
• Not offering water: Pollinators, especially bees, need access to fresh water. A shallow birdbath or a small water feature with pebbles or rocks for landing can provide this essential resource.

9. How to Care for Pollinator-Friendly Plants

Maintaining healthy pollinator-friendly plants requires some basic care to ensure they thrive and continue attracting bees and other pollinators. Here are some essential care tips to keep in mind:

9.1 Basic Care Instructions

• Watering: Pollinator-friendly plants generally need regular watering, especially during dry spells. Be sure to water deeply, focusing on the roots, to encourage strong, healthy growth. Avoid overhead watering, as it can damage flowers and attract diseases.
• Sunlight: Most bee-friendly plants thrive in full sunlight. Ensure that plants receive at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day, which is crucial for good flower production and nectar production.
• Soil Requirements: Pollinators prefer plants that are grown in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. Incorporate compost or other organic material to improve soil health and provide nutrients.

9.2 Best Practices for Pruning and Deadheading

• Pruning: Regularly prune your plants to remove dead or damaged stems and promote better airflow, which helps prevent disease.
• Deadheading: Deadheading spent flowers encourages more blooms and prolongs the flowering season, providing a continuous supply of nectar for pollinators.

9.3 Considerations for Container Gardening

If you're gardening in limited space, container gardening can still be an effective way to grow pollinator-friendly plants. Choose large enough containers for your plants, ensure they have proper drainage, and use nutrient-rich potting soil. Regular watering and feeding are essential to keep plants healthy in containers.

 

10. The Role of Pollinator-Friendly Plants in Conservation Efforts

Pollinator-friendly plants play a crucial role in larger conservation efforts aimed at supporting bee populations and promoting biodiversity. Here’s how they contribute:

10.1 Community Gardens and Conservation Projects

Community gardens and conservation projects are increasingly incorporating pollinator-friendly plants to help restore natural habitats and create environments that support bee populations. These initiatives offer the following benefits:

• Providing habitat: Community gardens create green spaces where pollinators can find food, shelter, and nesting sites.
• Boosting biodiversity: By planting a variety of pollinator-friendly plants, these projects contribute to a more diverse and resilient ecosystem.
• Raising awareness: These gardens serve as educational tools, teaching the public about the importance of bees and other pollinators.

10.2 The Role of Nurseries and Seed Companies

Plant nurseries and seed companies are vital in promoting bee-friendly plants. Many now offer specially curated selections of native, pollinator-friendly species and encourage customers to plant these in their gardens to help support local ecosystems. They often:

• Sell native plants: These plants are particularly beneficial for local bee populations.
• Educate the public: By providing information about the best plants for pollinators, these companies help gardeners make informed choices.

On a global scale, promoting pollinator-friendly plants is key to sustaining biodiversity and food security for future generations.

11. FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

1. What are the best plants to attract bees to my garden?

• Lavender: A fragrant herb that attracts both honeybees and bumblebees with its purple flowers.
• Sunflowers: These large, vibrant flowers are rich in nectar and pollen, attracting many pollinators.
• Coneflowers: With their daisy-like petals, they offer nectar and pollen, especially for bumblebees.
• Thyme: A herb that blooms early in the spring, providing an early nectar source for bees.
• Elderberry: A shrub that flowers in early summer and is highly attractive to pollinators.

2. How can I make my garden more bee-friendly?

• Garden design: Include a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year for a continuous nectar supply.
• Plant selection: Choose native, nectar-rich plants like wildflowers, herbs, and shrubs.
• Water features: Provide shallow water sources like birdbaths with rocks for bees to land on.

3. Do I need to use organic methods to create a bee-friendly garden?

Yes, organic gardening methods are essential for protecting pollinators. Pesticides can harm bees and other beneficial insects. By avoiding chemicals and using natural alternatives like neem oil or insecticidal soap, you can create a safe environment for bees to thrive.

4. How do I know if my plants are attracting bees?

• Increased bee activity: A noticeable increase in the number of bees visiting your plants is a sign they are attracting pollinators.
• More blooms: Healthy plants will bloom profusely, which can help attract bees.

5. Can I plant bee-friendly plants in containers?

Yes, you can! For limited spaces, container gardening with pollinator-friendly plants is a great option. Choose plants that thrive in pots, like lavender, thyme, or mint, and make sure the containers have proper drainage and receive enough sunlight.

6. What should I do if I see a bee nest in my garden?

If you find a bee nest, especially a solitary bee nest, avoid disturbing it. Bees generally won't harm you unless provoked. Provide them with a safe space by keeping the area undisturbed and offering additional food and water sources nearby.

7. Can bee-friendly plants survive winter?

Many bee-friendly plants are perennials, meaning they return each year. To ensure they survive winter, mulch around the base of plants to protect their roots. Additionally, leaving some dead plant stems can provide winter shelter for solitary bees.

 

Additional Resources

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