This Earth Day, consider planting a bee-friendly garden to support a vital part of our ecosystem.
By adding bee-friendly plants and flowers to your backyard or flower boxes, you not only beautify your space but also help address the global decline in bee populations.
Bees are crucial to our food system, pollinating 30% of the world’s crops and 90% of wildflowers. They play an essential role in bringing foods like broccoli, blueberries, and almonds to our tables.
While European honeybees are well-known, many native bee species in places like British Columbia are solitary and nest in the ground.
By learning which native bee species live near you, you can choose plants that meet their foraging and nesting needs.
Native plants, such as yarrow, fireweed, salal, and salmonberry, are perfect for attracting local bees, as they are well-suited to your region’s climate. Bees also love herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme, which can be a treat for gardeners and home chefs alike.
For a colorful, bee-friendly garden, consider flowers like honeysuckle, sunflowers, and black-eyed Susans. If you’re a more relaxed gardener, you can still help by leaving dandelions, milkweed, and goldenrod for bees to feed on.
Here’s an interesting fact: bees have great color vision. To attract them, plant a vibrant mix of native and heirloom flowers. Not only will your garden thrive, but you’ll also create a welcoming environment for these important pollinators.
