Bees. So small. So seemingly insignificant. However, many people do not realize how important they truly are to the ecosystem and to plants growth. A bee attracting garden can bring and keep bees in the area. These gardens can benefit the surrounding nature.

Bees are part of the insect group known as pollinators, which are known for distributing pollen from plants to plants increasing growth and fertility. Like other pollinators, bees play an essential role in producing the foods we eat. In order to show appreciation to our tiny black and yellow friends, gardeners can return the favor by keeping the bees well fed with a bee attracting garden.

Remember: Your yard and garden are part of the ecosystem. The choices you make can result in better success for vital pollinators like bees.

Preferred Plants for a bee attracting garden

Choosing plants which bloom in succession means bees will have reliable food sources for many months. Planting nectar-rich flowers in clumps and providing fresh water are just two of the ways you can make your garden more bee-friendly. The bees won’t want to leave!

At Rohsler’s, we recommend extending the bloom in your bee attracting garden with late winter/early spring bloomers. Some of these plants include Hellebores, Eranthis, Crocuses, and Snowdrops. Also adding grass species such as Coreopsis, Scabiosa, Panicum, and also Culver’s Root (Veronicastrum) can be beneficial to the bee attracting garden since they will continue the garden’s bloom throughout the summer. Be certain to include late-season favorites like Japanese Anemones, Asters, Allium thunbergii “Ozawa,” Joe-Pye Weed, Hardy Ageratum, and Stonecrop.

In the herb garden, remember to plant herbs such as Chives, Oregano, Rosemary, Sage, Lemon Balm, and Lavender. These plants are great for the bees – and you!

Bees are partial to several tree varieties, including Apple, Redbud, Black Locust, Tulip, which is also known as Yellow Poplar, Willow, and Linden. Fruit bushes like Blackberry, Strawberry, Snowberry, Huckleberry, and Blueberry plants are also preferred foods for the bees.

Other plants you may also want to try for your bee attracting garden are, Zinnias, Cosmos, Purple Coneflower, and Bee Balm, of course!