From Lawn to Hive: How to Support Bees with Thoughtful Planting

The decline in biodiversity and the struggles of pollinators can often feel overwhelming, but the truth is that every small effort matters. Whether you have a sprawling backyard or a modest balcony, we all possess the potential to create a sanctuary of nectar and pollen for bees. It starts with thoughtful planting—an opportunity to deepen our connection to the natural world and invite the hum of life back into our spaces.

White clover, often considered a lawn weed, is actually a powerhouse of nectar for bees, blooming throughout the summer and thriving in areas with reduced mowing, making it an effortless addition to any bee-friendly garden.

Impacts of Competition and Climate Change on Forage Availability

The challenges posed by climate change and the competitive dynamics among pollinators are reshaping our landscapes and their forage availability. While honey bee colonies are often highlighted in discussions, it's important to consider the broader spectrum of pollinators. Climate change alters flowering times and patterns, creating inconsistencies in the nectar and pollen supply that bees depend on. Social media buzz suggests honey bees might be outcompeting native bees, but it's essential to recognize that most beekeepers manage just a few hives and often transport them where pollination is needed most, reducing localized strain. Our goal should be to ensure a diverse and abundant forage landscape that can support all pollinators amidst these changing conditions.

Providing Nectar and Pollen All Year Round

To support our buzzing friends, we must ensure they have a steady supply of nectar and pollen throughout the year. Thoughtful planting is our most powerful tool in achieving this goal. Select flowers and plants that bloom at different times, particularly focusing on those lean periods when nature’s offerings are sparse. Early spring and late fall are critical times when bees are emerging from or preparing for hibernation and are in desperate need of sustenance. Take note of the June gap as well—this period between the fading of spring blooms and the arrival of summer flowers can leave bees without enough forage. By planting a mix of early bloomers, such as snowdrops and crocuses, alongside flowering shrubs and annuals that thrive in the summer, you can create a continuous flow of food for our pollinators. This not only helps the bees but also adds layers of beauty and vitality to your garden, making it a lively sanctuary year-round.

A single dandelion flower head contains up to 100 individual florets, each producing nectar and pollen, making it an incredibly rich food source for bees and other pollinators.

Creating Planting Space

When pondering where to plant more bee-friendly options, think outside the box. Even a modest balcony or compact backyard can be transformed into a haven for pollinators with a touch of creativity. Picture your walls or fences adorned with climbing plants that not only save space but also provide a vertical feast for bees. Hanging baskets brimming with nectar-rich blooms can turn a simple wall into a buzzing hotspot. Reflect on your flower beds—can they be widened to welcome more floral diversity? A little digging can go a long way in accommodating a few more plants. If you’re short on ground space, consider pots and containers; they can be strategically placed around your garden, adding layers of color and life. Every nook and cranny can serve as a potential spot for nurturing nectar and pollen sources. With a bit of imagination, you can create a vibrant mosaic of forage opportunities, transforming your space into a sanctuary for bees.

Even on a small balcony, you can create a bee haven with container-friendly flowers like lavender, herbs, and compact sunflowers, providing crucial nectar sources in urban environments.

Mow the Lawn Less Often and Allow Wild Plants to Thrive

Sometimes, the simplest changes can have the most profound impact. By mowing your lawn less frequently, you create a haven for wild plants and flowers that offer a natural bounty for bees. Picture a lawn adorned with dandelions, clover, and other native wildflowers—each one a miniature oasis of nectar and pollen. In our garden, we've embraced a more relaxed mowing schedule, allowing these wild blooms to flourish. The result is a lively, colorful carpet that not only enhances the beauty of our space but also supports our buzzing companions. Letting nature take its course can transform a conventional lawn into a thriving ecosystem, buzzing with life and activity.

Planting Early in the Year

As the chill of winter fades and the first signs of spring begin to emerge, our gardens can play a pivotal role in supporting early-emerging bees. This time of year can be especially harsh for pollinators as they awaken from hibernation to find a barren landscape. By incorporating early-blooming flowers, we can offer a lifeline of nectar and pollen when it's needed most. Imagine the delight of a queen bumblebee stumbling upon a cluster of snowdrops or a carpet of crocuses. These early bloomers, with their delicate yet resilient blossoms, become the first banquet of the year for our buzzing friends. Snowdrops, with their gentle white petals, and crocuses, bursting with vibrant colors, not only signal the arrival of warmer days but also provide crucial sustenance. In our own garden, we’ve found that planting different varieties of snowdrops can stagger their blooming times, ensuring a continuous source of food. The crocuses, with their bold yellows and purples, are a joy to behold and a favorite among early bees. Envision your garden coming to life with these early bursts of color, each flower a beacon of hope and nourishment for bees. This early effort in thoughtful planting sets the stage for a thriving, buzzing garden throughout the year, reflecting our commitment to supporting biodiversity and the intricate dance of nature.

An ingenious container designed specifically for growing plants.

Planting Snowdrops and Crocuses

Picture the scene: the last vestiges of winter are receding, and the garden begins to stir with the promise of spring. Amidst this awakening, snowdrops and crocuses emerge as the stars of the show. These early bloomers are more than just pretty faces; they are lifelines for bees in those first critical weeks of the year. Snowdrops, with their elegant, nodding white bells, are among the earliest flowers to brave the chill. Each variety has its own blooming schedule, creating a staggered buffet of nectar and pollen that extends the feeding period for our hungry pollinators. In our garden, we've planted different types of snowdrops to ensure that bees always have something to come home to, even when the weather is still fickle. Crocuses follow closely behind, bursting forth with a riot of colors—yellows, purples, and whites—that stand out against the still-dormant earth. These hardy little flowers are like the trumpets of spring, heralding warmer days and inviting bees to feast. It's a joy to watch early-emerging queen bumblebees and honey bees dive into their vibrant blooms, gathering the sustenance they desperately need. Incorporating these flowers into your garden is a small but impactful gesture, filling those early months with life and color, while providing essential forage for our buzzing companions.

How to Fill the June Gap

When the vibrant blooms of spring begin to wane and summer’s splendor is yet to unfold, our gardens can experience a lull known as the "June gap." During this period, it’s crucial to ensure that bees and other pollinators still find the nourishment they need. Dandelions, often overlooked, can be a lifeline, their sunny yellow faces offering a rich source of nectar and pollen. Embrace their cheerful presence and consider allowing them to flourish in parts of your garden. To further bridge this gap, integrate flowering shrubs and annuals that specifically bloom in early summer. Varieties like foxgloves, lavender, and certain types of clematis can fill your garden with color and sustenance during this critical time. Each flower you plant becomes a beacon for bees, guiding them to the precious resources they seek. By thoughtfully selecting and planting these June bloomers, you ensure a seamless transition in your garden’s floral tapestry, keeping it buzzing with life and activity even during the quieter periods.

Lavender, with its fragrant purple spikes, is a bee magnet that blooms for months, thrives in various conditions, and works well in both gardens and containers, making it an excellent choice for any bee-friendly space.

Get Inspiration from Your Local Garden Center and Fellow Gardeners

Imagine wandering through a local garden center, surrounded by the vibrant colors and fragrant scents of blooming flowers. Here, inspiration is abundant. Each plant holds the potential to transform your garden into a buzzing haven for pollinators. Pay close attention to those that are native to your area—they are often the best choices for supporting local bees and other beneficial insects. Engaging with knowledgeable staff can open your eyes to plants you might not have considered. Ask about flowers that bloom at different times of the year, ensuring a continuous supply of nectar and pollen. Look for plants that fill the June gap or those that thrive in the early spring and late fall, offering sustenance when it's most scarce. But don’t stop there. Take a leisurely stroll through your neighborhood or visit local gardens open to the public. Observe which plants attract the most bees and butterflies. Chat with fellow gardeners about their experiences—what works well in their gardens, and what doesn’t. Sharing tips and stories can lead to wonderful discoveries and foster a sense of community united by a common goal. In our own garden journey, we've found that the most unexpected sources of inspiration often come from these shared experiences. Whether it’s a recommendation for a hardy perennial that thrives in our climate or a tip about a lesser-known annual that blooms spectacularly in June, these conversations have enriched our garden and made it a more welcoming place for bees. By drawing on the collective wisdom of your local gardening community, you can create a flourishing, biodiverse space that hums with life, each plant a testament to your commitment to nurturing the natural world.