Spring is a season of renewal, bringing vibrant blooms, longer days, and warmer temperatures. But as flowers start to bloom, it’s also a critical time to think about the environment and the creatures that help our gardens thrive, especially bees. Bees are essential pollinators, and their health is crucial to maintaining biodiversity, food production, and a thriving ecosystem. In this blog post, we’ll explore five simple, eco-friendly things you can do in your garden this spring to support bees and help them thrive.
1. Grow Your Very Own Bee Sanctuary with This Essential Tree Mix from the Woodland Trust
For those looking to make a more substantial impact on bee conservation, consider growing your own bee sanctuary with the Essential Tree Mix from the Woodland Trust. This specially curated tree mix is designed to attract a wide variety of pollinators, including bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
By planting a variety of trees, you’ll create a rich, multi-layered environment that supports bees year-round, from early spring through autumn. A tree sanctuary not only benefits bees but also contributes to improving your local ecosystem by providing habitats for other wildlife and helping to reduce carbon emissions.
2. Provide Water Sources to Support Bees
Bees need water to stay hydrated, especially during warm spring days. Make sure your garden has accessible water sources for bees, like a shallow bird bath or a small water dish with stones to give them a landing spot. This will not only provide bees with much-needed hydration but also attract other beneficial creatures to your garden.
To set up a bee-friendly water station:
- Fill a shallow dish with fresh water.
- Add some pebbles or stones to give bees a safe place to land and drink without the risk of drowning.
- Make sure the water is clean and replenished regularly to avoid contamination.
3. Plant a Bee-Friendly Seed Mix with the RHS Shake & Sow – Flowers for Bees Box
If you’re looking to add even more diversity to your bee-friendly garden, the Shake & Sow – Flowers for Bees seed mix, licensed by the Royal Horticultural Society (RHS), is an excellent choice. This specially selected seed mix contains a variety of sun-loving, easy-to-grow annuals that will not only create a dazzling display over a long period but also provide nectar and pollen-rich flowers that attract and sustain a wide variety of useful pollinating bees.
These flowers will create a vibrant, nectar-filled garden that will provide essential food for bees throughout the spring and summer. They’re easy to grow and require little maintenance, making them perfect for both beginners and experienced gardeners alike.
Some other great flower choices include:
- Lavender – A bee favorite, lavender provides both nectar and pollen.
- Sunflowers – These large blooms are rich in pollen and nectar, and their seeds also provide food for birds later in the season.
- Bee balm – This fragrant herb is not only a bee magnet but also a great addition to any garden for its beauty and medicinal properties.
- Asters and Echinacea – Late bloomers like asters and coneflowers provide an important food source for bees as the season transitions.
4. Avoid Over-Mowing Your Lawn
One simple way to help bees is to reduce the frequency of mowing your lawn during the spring. Grass in flower-rich meadows can provide important forage for bees, especially early in the season when other blooms might be scarce. By allowing your grass to grow a little longer and leave wildflowers like dandelions, clover, and buttercups intact, you’re providing a natural, pesticide-free habitat and food source for bees. If you’re concerned about your lawn’s appearance, consider setting aside a portion of your garden to grow longer grass or native wildflowers. You’ll be surprised by the beauty and diversity of plants that can grow when left undisturbed.
5. The Original Bee Revival Kit
Bees can sometimes get exhausted while foraging, and that’s where the Original Bee Revival Kit comes to the rescue! This clever keyring is perfect for carrying around on the go, allowing you to help any exhausted bees you come across. The kit comes with a small, reusable bottle of energy-boosting bee food syrup, providing a quick boost to help a tired bee recover and continue its important pollination work.
Simply attach the Bee Revival Kit to your keychain, and you’ll be ready to help save a bee in need whenever you’re out and about. It’s a small action with a big impact on supporting our planet’s pollinators.
Remember, the health of bees is directly linked to the health of our gardens, ecosystems, and food sources. This spring, take action and make a positive impact on the environment by creating a bee-friendly space in your own garden.
