A Bee-Friendly Garden

Our countryside is rapidly being depleted of its woodland areas, hedgerows, meadows and verges - turning into an expanse of desolate green. Wildflowers are disappearing as a result, leaving bees without vital sustenance! So please show your support for our buzzing friends by helping them today.

You can make a difference for all varieties of bees - honeybees, bumblebees and solitary bees alike - by providing them with plenty of flowers to feast on. Whether your garden is big or small, you can create an inviting environment for pollinators from the space available to you. Opt for plants that feature single open flowers so that these tiny creatures have easy access to their essential nutrients! With some thoughtful planning in advance, your outdoor area will be able to offer bee populations a bountiful supply of pollen and nectar throughout every season.

If you're looking to cultivate a vibrant garden and welcome honey bees, here are the top ten blooms you'll want to consider planting:

Hellebore species and hybrids

Helleborus species are content in most conditions, but truly thrive in moist soil with excellent drainage and a slightly alkaline pH. The ideal location should be dappled shade; this ensures that they have the perfect balance of light exposure.

Salvia species

If you want to give your garden a stunning, eye-catching display, salvias are the perfect choice. Requiring plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil for optimal growth, these plants will add vivid colors and shapes to any mixed border.

Echinacea

Add a splash of color and life to your garden with this easy-to-maintain border perennial! Not only will it bring beauty to any outdoor space, but abundant nectar during late summer and autumn makes it an ideal plant for attracting pollinators.

Rudbeckia laciniata

If you're looking for a beautiful, statement-making plant that's easy to grow and maintain, this is the one for you! With just full sun or partial shade and moderately fertile soil, your garden will be dazzling in no time.

Lavandula species

Lavender is perfect for borders and edging alike, but it can only thrive in sunny, well-drained soils. If you give your lavender plants these conditions, they will be sure to reward you with a beautiful display of fragrant blooms!

Galanthus nivalis Common Snowdrop

A fragile flower, often oppressed by the snow, serves an imperative purpose as a source of pollen and nectar.

Crocus species (winter-flowering)

Whether planted in a pot or adorning your lawn, these beautiful flowers are easy to cultivate and will provide an early source of pollen for bees.

Cosmos

Treat yourself to delectable Cosmos flowers simply by scattering their seeds! These rapidly growing annual plants will burst into bloom in no time.

Sedum species

Sedums are a hardy and low-maintenance flower that make beautiful cut arrangements for your home.

Verbena species

Verbena will be healthiest in sunny, dry soil and is certain to draw many pollinators!

Help us to help bees, please donate

Bee & Bee Map

If you have a large garden you may be able to help a local beekeeper by providing a space for a hive or two. Contact the BBKA office to express an interest at bbka@bbka.org.uk The map is here: https://www.bbka.org.uk/bee-friends