While their stings aren’t pleasant, bees are vitally important to our ecosystem. According to the Natural Resources Defense Council, bees pollinate more than $15 billion in U.S. crops – the fruits and vegetables we eat – each year (along with $150 million of honey!) It is vitally important that we keep the bee population thriving. As you plant your garden this summer, you can do your part to help the bees by filling your yard with these five bee-friendly plants!
As you plant your garden this summer, do your part to help the bees.
Mint
It’s healthy and delicious for humans, and our buzzing friends absolutely love it! Go ahead and plant some mint in your garden to show some love and support to the bees. Then reward yourself by having a refreshing glass of mint-infused water or crush it in a frosty Mojito!
Sunflowers
Sunflowers are like THE official flower of summer! They are big, tall, and have everything that bees love. Plant these beautiful flowers in your garden because they are filled with pollen and nectar. They also give us those tasty seeds that are easily toasted in your oven!
Lavender
Aesthetically-pleasing and beautifully-scented, these purple flowers are loaded with pollen and have a long blooming season, which makes it a staple in the bees search for pollen and nectar! Keep some fresh lavender clipped in a vase on the side of your bed to help you sleep at night!
Rosemary
Fresh rosemary is a fantastic addition to a variety of meals you’re cooking, and it’s a bee favorite, too! This wonderful herb has a lot of flowers that are bee magnets because of their extensive bloom season.
Yarrow
Not too many people know this flower by name, but you may be able to recognize it by its distinctive clusters that can be found in various colors: Yellow, orange, pink, red, and, most commonly, white. These flowers look great in the yard, plus their flower petals make it easy for the bees to take a rest on their search for more pollen and nectar.
As you garden this summer, please remember to use natural pesticides that are safe for bees or other pollinators.
And thanks for helping to #SaveTheBees!
Additional Reources:
https://www.nrdc.org/sites/default/files/bees.pdf
https://www.southernliving.com/garden/flowers/flowers-for-bees
https://www.growforagecookferment.com/flowers-to-plant-for-bees/
