Bee Friendly Perennials: A Guide to Creating a Buzzing Garden

The Importance of Bee-Friendly Gardens

If you're an avid gardener, you probably already know how important bees are to our ecosystem. Bees are responsible for pollinating many of our favorite fruits and vegetables, such as apples, strawberries, and cucumbers. Without them, our food supply would be severely impacted.

Unfortunately, bee populations have been declining in recent years due to habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. That's why it's more important than ever to create bee-friendly gardens that provide these pollinators with the food and shelter they need to thrive.

Choosing the Right Bee-Friendly Perennials

When it comes to selecting bee-friendly perennials, there are a few things to keep in mind. First of all, choose plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season so that there's always a food source available for bees. It's also important to choose native plants whenever possible, as these are the ones that bees have evolved to pollinate and will be most attracted to.

Here are some of the best bee-friendly perennials to consider:

1. Coneflowers (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are a favorite among gardeners and bees alike. These colorful flowers come in a variety of shades, from pink to orange to yellow, and bloom from mid-summer through fall.

How to care for coneflowers

Coneflowers prefer full sun and well-drained soil. They're drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from regular watering during dry spells.

2. Bee Balm (Monarda)

Bee balm, also known as bergamot, is a showy plant that produces clusters of brightly colored flowers in shades of pink, red, and purple. It blooms in mid-summer and attracts not only bees, but also butterflies and hummingbirds.

How to care for bee balm

Bee balm prefers full sun to partial shade and moist, well-drained soil. It can be prone to powdery mildew, so make sure to provide good air circulation and avoid overhead watering.

3. Goldenrod (Solidago)

Goldenrod is a late-blooming perennial that produces bright yellow flowers in the fall. Contrary to popular belief, it's not responsible for causing allergies – that's the job of ragweed, which blooms around the same time.

How to care for goldenrod

Goldenrod prefers full sun and well-drained soil, but it can tolerate some shade and moisture. It's a tough plant that doesn't require much maintenance.

4. Milkweed (Asclepias)

Milkweed is a must-have for any pollinator garden, as it's the only food source for monarch butterfly larvae. It produces clusters of pink or orange flowers in summer.

How to care for milkweed

Milkweed prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It can be slow to establish, but once it does, it's easy to care for.

5. Lavender (Lavandula)

Lavender is a fragrant perennial that produces spikes of blue or purple flowers in summer. Bees love its sweet scent and will flock to it.

How to care for lavender

Lavender prefers full sun and well-drained soil. It's drought-tolerant once established, but will benefit from occasional watering during dry spells.

Designing a Bee-Friendly Garden

Now that you know which plants to choose, it's time to designing your bee-friendly garden. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

1. Group plants together by color and bloom time

This will make it easier for bees to find the flowers they're looking for and provide them with a continuous food source throughout the growing season.

2. Provide a variety of flower shapes and sizes

Different bees prefer different types of flowers, so it's important to provide a variety of shapes and sizes to attract as many pollinators as possible.

3. Create nesting sites for bees

Many native bees are solitary and nest in the ground or in hollow stems. You can provide nesting sites by leaving areas of bare soil or by creating nesting boxes made out of wood or bamboo.

Maintaining Your Bee-Friendly Garden

Once your bee-friendly garden is established, it's important to maintain it properly to ensure that it continues to provide a habitat for pollinators. Here are some tips:

1. Water regularly

Most bee-friendly perennials prefer moist, well-drained soil. Make sure to water your plants regularly, especially during dry spells.

2. Deadhead spent blooms

Removing spent blooms will encourage your plants to produce more flowers and extend the blooming season.

3. Avoid using pesticides

Pesticides can be harmful to bees and other beneficial insects. Instead, use natural pest control methods or choose plants that are naturally resistant to pests.

FAQs

1. What is a bee-friendly garden?

A bee-friendly garden is a garden that provides bees with the food and shelter they need to thrive. It includes a variety of plants that bloom at different times throughout the growing season and provides nesting sites for bees.

2. How do I know if a plant is bee-friendly?

Look for plants that are native to your area and have brightly colored flowers. Bees are most attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers. Avoid plants that have been treated with pesticides.

3. How can I attract more bees to my garden?

In addition to planting bee-friendly perennials, you can also provide nesting sites for bees and avoid using pesticides. Bees are also attracted to water, so consider adding a small water feature to your garden.

4. Can I still have a bee-friendly garden if I have allergies?

Yes! Most bee-friendly perennials are not responsible for causing allergies. If you're sensitive to pollen, consider planting low-pollen varieties or wearing a mask while gardening.

5. What other pollinators will a bee-friendly garden attract?

In addition to bees, a bee-friendly garden will also attract butterflies, hummingbirds, and other beneficial insects.