The humble bee is more than just a summer garden visitor; it’s one of the most vital insects for sustaining human life on Earth. Beyond their gentle buzzing and tireless flitting from flower to flower, bees play a crucial role in pollinating around one-third of the world’s agricultural crops. In the United States alone, the value of this pollination work is estimated at an astounding $19 billion annually.
Without bees, many of our favourite foods would vanish from supermarket shelves. Apples, blueberries, peaches, cucumbers, and almonds are just a few of the crops that depend on bees for pollination. And it’s not only our food supply that would suffer, so too would our ecosystems. The vast majority of flowering plants rely on pollinators like bees to reproduce and thrive. In turn, these plants support other wildlife and contribute to biodiversity, air purification, and climate regulation.
And let’s not forget honey. Bees produce this golden substance not only for their colonies, but as a gift to us, used in cooking, skincare, and even medicine. But this sweet bounty is under threat. Bee populations have been plummeting in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, climate change, and disease. In response, conservationists and scientists are urging people to take action, starting right in their own backyards.
So, how can you help? Here are a few simple but powerful ways to turn your garden into a haven for bees and other vital pollinators.
One of the most effective ways to support bees is by planting the right flowers. Bees are drawn to blooms rich in nectar and pollen. Some of their favorites include:
If you have a herb garden, you’re in luck, bees are particularly fond of herbs like lemon balm, rosemary, thyme, and chives. To make things easy, you can purchase specialised bee-friendly seed mixes.
When buying plants, choose organic or untreated flowers whenever possible. Many commercial plants are treated with neonicotinoids or other pesticides that are toxic to bees, even if the plants are sold as "bee-friendly."
Bees thrive in natural, undisturbed areas. If you have the space, consider dedicating a portion of your garden to grow wild. Allow native grasses, wildflowers, and even weeds like dandelions to flourish. These "messy" patches can be a goldmine of food and shelter for not only bees but also butterflies, beetles, and birds.
Plant your flowers in clusters rather than spreading them out. Bees prefer groups of flowers that allow them to gather nectar without flying long distances between blooms. Always choose a sunny, sheltered location for maximum bee activity.
Pesticide use is one of the leading contributors to bee decline. Even products marketed as safe for home use can be lethal to pollinators. To protect the bees in your garden:
Integrated pest management and companion planting can also help you keep pests in check without harming beneficial insects.
Not all bees live in hives. In fact, around 90% of bee species in the UK are solitary, nesting in small crevices, dead wood, or underground. Modern landscaping often removes these nesting opportunities, contributing to their decline.
A bee hotel provides a safe place for solitary bees like mason bees and leafcutter bees to lay their eggs. You can buy pre-made bee hotels or build your own using natural materials such as:
Place your bee hotel in a sunny, sheltered location, ideally a meter or more off the ground and facing south or southeast.
Like all creatures, bees need water to survive. Set out a shallow dish filled with clean water and add a few pebbles or marbles so bees have a place to land while they drink. Refresh the water regularly, especially during hot weather.
Make Your Garden a Sanctuary
Transforming your garden into a bee-friendly sanctuary doesn't just benefit pollinators, it also brings beauty, vitality, and life to your outdoor space. With just a few thoughtful changes, you can create a haven that supports not only bees but also butterflies, birds, and other essential wildlife.
Ready to dive deeper into wildlife gardening? Check out our Gardens Department articles for more inspiration and step-by-step guides to make your garden a true patch of the wild.
