Create the garden so important pollinators will thrive

G

ardeners owe a lot to the bees.

Without them, we wouldn’t be able to grow our fruits, flowers and vegetables. Bees are our most important pollinators and they thrive in backyard gardens where there are many plants to choose from. There has been a lot of effort recently towards saving the bee population, and this a particular focus for gardeners. Here are a few things you can do in the garden to show your appreciation for the hard work the bees do for you.

Install a bee house. You can purchase these at the garden centre. They come in a variety of styles and sizes to suit your garden. They can be stand alone units or attached to a fence or stand, but are best placed where they will be slightly sheltered. Bees like small, confined spaces so these houses are specifically designed with that in mind.

Next, make a bee bath in the garden. Use a shallow plate or saucer so the bees can land and drink. You may want to add small pebbles or twigs for the bees to rest on. As an added bonus this also attracts lady bugs which will stop for a drink and take care of any aphids nearby as well. This can be placed directly in the garden, just try to keep it in the same place so the bees know where to find it, and refresh the water regularly.

In early spring and fall consider leaving the dandelions. There are often times that it is difficult for bees to find food, so if you can handle some dandelions leave them for the bees. Even a small corner of the lawn will provide the bees with pollen and nectar when they are otherwise in short supply.

Plant flowers that are particularly attractive to bees: these may be plants with large flowers, and abundance of nectar or pollen, or highly fragrant. Perennials such as monarda, rudbeckia, sedum, echinacea, lavender, helianthus, nepeta, salvia, asclepias, gailardia, achillea, poppy, and alcea all work well. Annuals that attract bees include cosmos, calendula, aster, ageratum, lantana, heliotrope, cornflower, snapdragon, zinnia, gazania, marigolds, and sunflowers. In the herb garden, plant chives, cilantro, sage, thyme, oregano, mint, parsley, dill, lemon balm, and rosemary to attract bees.

Ensure that your garden has flowers during the whole season. This might take a little bit more planning, but it makes a big difference for the bees on top of keeping your garden looking great. Crocus and fruit trees are a favourite in early spring when few flowers are out, and sedum and asters are great for the fall.

Consider planting flowers at the edge of the vegetable garden to attract bees. It could be at the end of your row, in between vegetables or along the back section of your patch.

Flowering vegetables such as beans, cucumbers, and most melons have large flowers that bees enjoy.

The more attractive your vegetable garden is to the bees the more they will pollinate leading you towards a greater harvest.

Keeping the bees happy will make for an abundant garden. Your flowers and vegetables will thank you.