Normally, you wouldn’t think of wanting to encourage bees to come to your garden. But as you’ve likely heard, bees are in danger! We need to do our part to provide places for them to land and pollinate.
Without bees, we wouldn’t have all the wonderful fruit and flowers that we so love. In fact, seventy out of the top 100 human food crops — which supply about 90 percent of the world’s nutrition — are pollinated by bees.
Help save the bees in your own backyard! Try these garden additions to make these pollinators happy.
1. GIVE THEM COVER.
Bees need a break from the sun and heat, too. Planting ground cover can give them a place to hide out between feedings and flying. Bugleweed offers plenty of shade without blocking access to the ground for pollinators that nest there. Green and gold ground cover, also known as Chrysogonum virginianum, also provides a welcoming hideout for bees.
2. GIVE THEM SOMETHING TO SIP ON.
If you ever run into a fat bumblebee that seems lethargic, it might be dehydrated. Yes, this is a real thing! Place shallow dishes of water in the yard and around flowers, or keep a fountain going (place pebbles in it for bees to sit on) so they can hydrate as needed. Don’t assume that the water has to be sparkling clean, either. Bees are drawn to water that has a strong smell, which includes water sources with worms, moss, and wet earth.
3. TRY SOME COLORFUL BEE BALM.
Bee balm is a gorgeous perennial that can attract bees to your yard while also dressing up your landscape. It is just a few bucks per plant, and hardy enough for the season and after season. It’s especially attractive along walkways and borders, adding a splash of color to any area.
4. KEEP COLOR IN MIND WHEN PLANTING.
Bees love blue, purple, and yellow flowers and plants. Keep these colors in mind when choosing your landscape so you can be sure you plant flowers that they will notice and buzz over to check out. Bees can also be attracted to patterned flowers, with the contrast in color making it easier for them to spot the nectar.
Great American Landscapes specializes in sustainable landscaping. We can help you ensure your yard is bee-friendly while also being eye-pleasing. Give us a call at (301) 972-5681 to learn how we can help you customize your Washington, D.C.-area home’s landscaping.
