Feed the Bees with Pollinator-Friendly Plants
Pollinators
Fill your garden well with plants
that feed
the butterflies and bees
Who over untold time
have self-designed
to live off flowers
A plan from which
a million species thrive
including us!
©2023 Carl Scott Harker, Author of
An Engineer of Words
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AS you revise or start a new garden, now is the time to include bee-friendly plants. It is not only beneficial for the bees, but also of value for the overall health of your garden and the ecosystem. Bees play a crucial role in pollination, contributing to the reproduction of many flowering plants. Here are some plants that bees love:
Lavender (Lavandula spp.):
Lavender is a fragrant herb that produces spikes of purple flowers. Bees are attracted to its sweet scent and abundant nectar.
Bee Balm (Monarda spp.):
Also known as bergamot, bee balm produces showy flowers in shades of red, pink, or purple. It is a favorite among bees and hummingbirds.
Sunflowers (Helianthus spp.):
Sunflowers are not only attractive to humans but also to bees. They produce large, pollen-rich flower heads that provide a good food source.
Coneflowers (Echinacea spp.):
Coneflowers have daisy-like blooms in various colors, and they are excellent for attracting bees and butterflies.
Salvia (Salvia spp.):
The spikes of tubular flowers on salvias are rich in nectar, making them a favorite of bees and other pollinators.
Borage (Borago officinalis):
Borage produces star-shaped blue flowers that bees find irresistible. The plant is also edible, and its leaves and flowers can be used in salads.
Catmint (Nepeta spp.):
Catmint, related to catnip, produces spikes of lavender-blue flowers that attract bees. It is a hardy and low-maintenance plant.
Purple Coneflower (Echinacea purpurea):
This native perennial is not only a popular herbal remedy but also a favorite of bees due to its large, daisy-like flowers.
Goldenrod (Solidago spp.):
Goldenrod produces clusters of bright yellow flowers that bloom in late summer and fall, providing a crucial food source for bees before winter.
Thyme (Thymus spp.):
Thyme is a low-growing herb with small flowers that bees find attractive. It’s a great ground cover in sunny locations.
Clover (Trifolium spp.):
Clover is a common and easy-to-grow ground cover that produces small, white, or pink flowers that bees love. It’s also an important forage plant for honeybees.
Fruit Trees:
Many fruit trees, such as apple, cherry, and plum trees, produce blossoms that are rich in nectar and attract bees during the flowering season.
Remember to choose a variety of plants that bloom at different times of the year to provide a continuous food source for bees. Additionally, planting native species is beneficial, as they are well-adapted to local conditions and support local pollinator populations. A buzzing yard or garden filled with bees and other types of pollinators is a happy yard or garden.
News About Bee Friendly Plants
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