We love taking photos of bees, creating bee art, and designing bee-related clothing! However, we rely on our subjects, the bees, to be around and ready to help us make beautiful art. We want to share the wonderful world of pollinators and their importance in sustaining life on Earth. Bees are one of the most crucial players in this ecosystem, responsible for pollinating over a third of all food crops worldwide. But with bee populations dwindling due to habitat loss and pesticide use, it's more important than ever to act and plant for the bees. In this article, we'll explore some of the best types of flowers and herbs you can incorporate into your garden or landscape design to attract these hardworking creatures and help them thrive. So grab your gardening gloves, let's get planting!
Introduction
If you're looking to attract pollinators to your garden, there are a few things you can do. One is to choose the right plants. Flowers and herbs that are native to your area are always a good bet, as they will be familiar to the local pollinators. Another good option is to choose plants that are known to attract pollinators, such as bees. Here are a few of the best flowers and herbs to plant for the bees:
Bees love flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. Good choices include Cosmos, Echinacea (coneflower), Lavender, and Thyme. Herbs such as Basil, Borage, and Mint are also excellent bee magnets. In addition to attracting bees, these plants will also add beauty and fragrance to your garden!
What is a Bee Pollinator Garden?
A bee pollinator garden is a garden that is designed to attract and support bees. This can be done by planting a variety of flowers and herbs that bees find appealing. Bee pollinator gardens are important because they provide bees with the food they need to survive and help to pollinate our crops.
Benefits of Planting Pollinator Gardens for Bees
One of the best ways to help bees is to plant a pollinator garden packed with their favorite flowers. By growing bee-friendly plants, you can provide these important pollinators with the food they need to survive. In addition, pollinator gardens can be beautiful and add interest to your yard or garden. Here are some of the top benefits of planting a pollinator garden for bees:
- You Can Help Nourish Pollinators
Bees are struggling right now due to a number of factors, including loss of habitat, pesticide use, and climate change. By planting a pollinator garden, you can help provide them with the nourishment they need to survive and thrive. Choose bee-friendly plants that will bloom throughout the growing season so there is always something in bloom for the bees to feed on.
- You Can Create a Beautiful Space
A pollinator garden doesn't have to be all about the bees - it can also be a beautiful space for you to enjoy. Plant flowers and herbs that you love, in colors that compliment your home or landscape. Add in some birdhouses or other backyard decorations to make it your own special place.
Pollinator plants tend to be colorful and you can create a mix or even patterns with your colors. Also, if you do mix flowers, they tend to bloom at slightly different times, creating constant color.
- You Can Make a Difference
The decline of bee populations is a serious problem that needs our attention. By planting a pollinator garden, you can do your part to help these important creatures. Every little bit helps, and your efforts will go a long way towards ensuring a bright future for bees!
Types of Flowers and Herbs to Plant for Bee Pollination
In order to attract bees to your garden, it is important to plant a variety of flowers and herbs that they find irresistible. Some of the best types of plants for bee pollination include:
-Aster: Asters are one of the most popular flowers for bees, as they offer a large surface area for them to land on and gather nectar.
-Bee balm: Bee balm is a type of mint that produces nectar-rich flowers that are very attractive to bees.
-Black-eyed Susan: Black-eyed Susans are another great option for attracting bees, as their large yellow flowers are full of nectar.
-California poppy: California poppies are a beautiful addition to any garden, and their orange blooms make them especially appealing to bees.
-Coneflower: Coneflowers offer both pollen and nectar for bees, making them a great choice for those looking to attract these important pollinators.
-Echinacea: Also known as coneflowers, echinaceas produce large blooms that are full of nectar and pollen, making them ideal for bee pollination.
-Gaillardia: Gaillardias, also known as blanket flowers, produce brightly colored blooms that attract bees with their sweet nectar.
-Lavender: Lavender is not only a beautiful addition to any garden, but its fragrant flowers also produce nectar that
Tips for Maintaining a Bee Pollinator Garden
There are a few key things to remember when planting and maintaining a bee pollinator garden:
- Use a variety of flowers and herbs that bloom at different times throughout the season. This will ensure that there is always something in bloom for the bees to pollinate.
- Avoid using pesticides or herbicides in your garden. These can be harmful to bees and other pollinators.
- Plant native species of flowers and herbs whenever possible. They are adapted to the local conditions and will be more attractive to pollinators than non-native species.
- Keep your garden well-watered, especially during dry periods. Bees need access to water as well as nectar and pollen from flowers.
- Provide shelter for bees in the form of nesting sites or artificial bee houses. This will help them survive the winter months when there are fewer flowers blooming.
Alternatives to Planting a Bee Pollinator Garden
If you're looking to attract pollinators to your garden, but aren't interested in planting a complete bee pollinator garden, there are still plenty of options available to you. Flowering plants are a great way to attract bees, as they provide them with the nectar they need to survive. Additionally, placing a water source in your garden will also help to attract bees, as they often search for water sources when they're out collecting nectar. Some of the best flowers and herbs to plant for attracting bees include:
-Aster
-Bee balm
-Black-eyed Susan
-Calendula
-Clover
-Cosmos
-Echinacea
-Geranium
-Lavender
-Marigold
-Poppy
-Sunflower
-Yarrow
Conclusion
Planting for the bees is an important way to help our environment and support pollinators. By choosing native plants, flowers, and herbs that are easy to find and maintain in your area, you can create a bee-friendly haven in your own backyard that will attract all sorts of pollinators. With some dedication and care, you can be sure that your garden or balcony will be buzzing with activity!