Supporting Pollinators: Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden
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Bees and other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens and agricultural landscapes. They play a crucial role in pollinating plants, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. While honeybees are the most well-known pollinators, there are approximately 4,000 species of native or wild bees in the continental United States, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees. However, the populations of many of these vital pollinators have been declining in recent years.
The good news is that you can make a significant difference by creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Imagine if every home gardener across the nation provided habitat and sustenance for these essential creatures; we could collectively add thousands of acres of precious habitat for bees and other pollinators. In return, our yards would not only thrive with beauty but also buzz with life. Here’s how you can contribute to this vital cause:
Plant a Diverse Array of Plants:
Different pollinators are active during various seasons. To attract a full range of pollinators, select a wide variety of plants with differing types, heights, and shapes. This ensures that there is always something in bloom to nourish these valuable insects.
Opt for Single Flowers:
Choose flowers with a single ring of petals instead of double flowers. Single flowers provide more nectar and pollen, making it easier for bees to access their vital sustenance.
Embrace Purple, Blue, and Yellow:
Bees, just like many of us, have their favorite colors. Purple, blue, and yellow are the colors that most bees adore, so be sure to plant plenty of these hues in your garden. Not only will it please the bees, but it will also add a delightful splash of color to your outdoor space.
Reduce Pesticide Use:
Many pesticides, including some organic options, can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, especially when used improperly. As a responsible gardener, limit the use of pesticides in your garden. Explore alternative methods like row covers and handpicking for pest control. When pesticides are necessary, use them as a last resort and strictly follow label directions. Never apply pesticides on open flowers or when bees are actively foraging.
Consider Backyard Beekeeping:
If you want to take your commitment to supporting pollinators to the next level, consider backyard beekeeping. Many cities permit homeowners to keep one or two beehives in their backyard. Backyard beekeeping has gained popularity in recent years and offers a firsthand experience in supporting honeybee populations.
Supporting pollinators is not only an ecological responsibility but also a rewarding endeavor for gardeners. By following these simple guidelines and creating a bee-friendly garden, you can actively contribute to the well-being of bees and other pollinators. The result? A thriving and vibrant garden that’s not only beautiful but buzzing with the life and energy of these essential insects. Start your pollinator-friendly garden today and be part of a growing movement to protect these valuable creatures.
Annual Flowers
Cosmos
Alyssum (Lobularia)
Calendula (Calendula)
Cosmos (Cosmos)
Dahlia (Dahlia)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Sunflower (Helianthus)Perennial Flowers
Aster (Aster)
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Blanket Flower (Gallardia)
Catmint (Nepeta)
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Cranesbill (Geranium)
Lavender (Lavandula)
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Penstemon (Penstemon)Pincushion Flower
Phlox (Phlox)Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Poppy (Papaver)
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Salvia (Salvia)
Sedum (Sedum)
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Yarrow (Achillea)Bulbs
Crocus (Crocus)
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)Shrubs
Butterfly Bush (Buddlea)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)Lilac (Syringa)
Roses (Rosa)Trees
Canada Cherry (Prunus virginiana)Flowering Crab (Malus)
Fruit Trees
Hawthorne (Crataegus)
Linden (Tilia)
Purple Robe Locust (Robinia)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)Vines
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Find this collection of flowers at Town and Country Gardens
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Bees and other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens and agricultural landscapes. They play a crucial role in pollinating plants, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. While honeybees are the most well-known pollinators, there are approximately 4,000 species of native or wild bees in the continental United States, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees. However, the populations of many of these vital pollinators have been declining in recent years.
The good news is that you can make a significant difference by creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Imagine if every home gardener across the nation provided habitat and sustenance for these essential creatures; we could collectively add thousands of acres of precious habitat for bees and other pollinators. In return, our yards would not only thrive with beauty but also buzz with life. Here’s how you can contribute to this vital cause:
Plant a Diverse Array of Plants:
Different pollinators are active during various seasons. To attract a full range of pollinators, select a wide variety of plants with differing types, heights, and shapes. This ensures that there is always something in bloom to nourish these valuable insects.
Opt for Single Flowers:
Choose flowers with a single ring of petals instead of double flowers. Single flowers provide more nectar and pollen, making it easier for bees to access their vital sustenance.
Embrace Purple, Blue, and Yellow:
Bees, just like many of us, have their favorite colors. Purple, blue, and yellow are the colors that most bees adore, so be sure to plant plenty of these hues in your garden. Not only will it please the bees, but it will also add a delightful splash of color to your outdoor space.
Reduce Pesticide Use:
Many pesticides, including some organic options, can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, especially when used improperly. As a responsible gardener, limit the use of pesticides in your garden. Explore alternative methods like row covers and handpicking for pest control. When pesticides are necessary, use them as a last resort and strictly follow label directions. Never apply pesticides on open flowers or when bees are actively foraging.
Consider Backyard Beekeeping:
If you want to take your commitment to supporting pollinators to the next level, consider backyard beekeeping. Many cities permit homeowners to keep one or two beehives in their backyard. Backyard beekeeping has gained popularity in recent years and offers a firsthand experience in supporting honeybee populations.
Supporting pollinators is not only an ecological responsibility but also a rewarding endeavor for gardeners. By following these simple guidelines and creating a bee-friendly garden, you can actively contribute to the well-being of bees and other pollinators. The result? A thriving and vibrant garden that’s not only beautiful but buzzing with the life and energy of these essential insects. Start your pollinator-friendly garden today and be part of a growing movement to protect these valuable creatures.
Annual Flowers
Cosmos
Alyssum (Lobularia)
Calendula (Calendula)
Cosmos (Cosmos)
Dahlia (Dahlia)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Sunflower (Helianthus)Perennial Flowers
Aster (Aster)
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Blanket Flower (Gallardia)
Catmint (Nepeta)
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Cranesbill (Geranium)
Lavender (Lavandula)
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Penstemon (Penstemon)Pincushion Flower
Phlox (Phlox)Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Poppy (Papaver)
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Salvia (Salvia)
Sedum (Sedum)
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Yarrow (Achillea)Bulbs
Crocus (Crocus)
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)Shrubs
Butterfly Bush (Buddlea)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)Lilac (Syringa)
Roses (Rosa)Trees
Canada Cherry (Prunus virginiana)Flowering Crab (Malus)
Fruit Trees
Hawthorne (Crataegus)
Linden (Tilia)
Purple Robe Locust (Robinia)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)Vines
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Find this collection of flowers at Town and Country Gardens
-
Bees and other pollinators are the unsung heroes of our gardens and agricultural landscapes. They play a crucial role in pollinating plants, ensuring the production of fruits, vegetables, and flowers. While honeybees are the most well-known pollinators, there are approximately 4,000 species of native or wild bees in the continental United States, including bumblebees, leafcutter bees, and mason bees. However, the populations of many of these vital pollinators have been declining in recent years.
The good news is that you can make a significant difference by creating a pollinator-friendly garden. Imagine if every home gardener across the nation provided habitat and sustenance for these essential creatures; we could collectively add thousands of acres of precious habitat for bees and other pollinators. In return, our yards would not only thrive with beauty but also buzz with life. Here’s how you can contribute to this vital cause:
Plant a Diverse Array of Plants:
Different pollinators are active during various seasons. To attract a full range of pollinators, select a wide variety of plants with differing types, heights, and shapes. This ensures that there is always something in bloom to nourish these valuable insects.
Opt for Single Flowers:
Choose flowers with a single ring of petals instead of double flowers. Single flowers provide more nectar and pollen, making it easier for bees to access their vital sustenance.
Embrace Purple, Blue, and Yellow:
Bees, just like many of us, have their favorite colors. Purple, blue, and yellow are the colors that most bees adore, so be sure to plant plenty of these hues in your garden. Not only will it please the bees, but it will also add a delightful splash of color to your outdoor space.
Reduce Pesticide Use:
Many pesticides, including some organic options, can be harmful to bees and other pollinators, especially when used improperly. As a responsible gardener, limit the use of pesticides in your garden. Explore alternative methods like row covers and handpicking for pest control. When pesticides are necessary, use them as a last resort and strictly follow label directions. Never apply pesticides on open flowers or when bees are actively foraging.
Consider Backyard Beekeeping:
If you want to take your commitment to supporting pollinators to the next level, consider backyard beekeeping. Many cities permit homeowners to keep one or two beehives in their backyard. Backyard beekeeping has gained popularity in recent years and offers a firsthand experience in supporting honeybee populations.
Supporting pollinators is not only an ecological responsibility but also a rewarding endeavor for gardeners. By following these simple guidelines and creating a bee-friendly garden, you can actively contribute to the well-being of bees and other pollinators. The result? A thriving and vibrant garden that’s not only beautiful but buzzing with the life and energy of these essential insects. Start your pollinator-friendly garden today and be part of a growing movement to protect these valuable creatures.
Annual Flowers
Cosmos
Alyssum (Lobularia)
Calendula (Calendula)
Cosmos (Cosmos)
Dahlia (Dahlia)
Snapdragon (Antirrhinum)
Sunflower (Helianthus)Perennial Flowers
Aster (Aster)
Bee Balm (Monarda)
Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia)
Blanket Flower (Gallardia)
Catmint (Nepeta)
Columbine (Aquilegia)
Coneflower (Echinacea)
Cranesbill (Geranium)
Lavender (Lavandula)
Monkshood (Aconitum)
Penstemon (Penstemon)Pincushion Flower
Phlox (Phlox)Pincushion Flower (Scabiosa)
Poppy (Papaver)
Russian Sage (Perovskia)
Salvia (Salvia)
Sedum (Sedum)
St. John’s Wort (Hypericum)
Tickseed (Coreopsis)
Yarrow (Achillea)Bulbs
Crocus (Crocus)
Hyacinth (Hyacinthus)Shrubs
Butterfly Bush (Buddlea)
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)Lilac (Syringa)
Roses (Rosa)Trees
Canada Cherry (Prunus virginiana)Flowering Crab (Malus)
Fruit Trees
Hawthorne (Crataegus)
Linden (Tilia)
Purple Robe Locust (Robinia)
Serviceberry (Amelanchier)Vines
Honeysuckle (Lonicera)
Find this collection of flowers at Town and Country Gardens
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