It’s hard to overstate how much bees contribute to environmental health. These tiny insects pollinate 75% of the world’s flowering plants. Their pollination makes 35% of global food production possible.
Unfortunately, bee populations have declined due to. Widespread urbanization and increased pesticide and insecticide use caused bee populations to decline. Learn how you can help your local bee populations flourish with these steps.
Incorporate Bee-Friendly Plants in Your Garden
Like all wildlife, bees need shelter and nourishment to survive. Every nectar-containing native you add to your property provides significant benefits.
Choose a corner of your yard to incorporate natives with blooms that attract bees. Even a small container of blooms will help. There are several options that bees love, but knowing where to start can be challenging. If you need inspiration, here are a few favorites to help you begin.
Coneflowers
Coneflowers’ brightly colored flowers with drooping petals are a favorite of honeybees. These sun-loving native plants are available in different colors. Purple and yellow are two of the most common. Coneflowers are full of rich nectar and thrive in sunny areas.
Shop Coneflowers and other Pollinator-Friendly Flowers at Forrest Keeling
Ox Eye Sunflower
Ox eye sunflower produces a profusion of bright yellow flowers in early to mid-summer. Excellent for clay soils, it grows in a variety of soils and thrives in moist, heavy soils with part to full sun. A relative of the sunflowers, it does not spread by rhizomes, but self-sows and spreads.
Shop Ox Eye Sunflower and other Pollinator-Friendly Flowers at Forrest Keeling
New England Aster
New England Aster is an excellent source of pollen and nectar. Honeybees need dependable sources especially during the fall months. Their purple flowers are a magnet for pollinators and provide stunning fall color. Like all asters, it can survive in a range of soil conditions.
Shop New England Aster and other Pollinator-Friendly Flowers at Forrest Keeling
Choose Bee-Friendly Alternatives to Traditional Pesticides
Pesticides and herbicides can be detrimental to bee populations. Natives can help you reduce your chemical use in the landscape. Natives evolved over hundreds of years to thrive in a region’s natural communities. They are more disease and pest-resistant than many exotic species.
Garlic, corn gluten, and kaolin clay are natural pest deterrent options. There are also insect-repelling plant options including mint, marigolds, lavender, and alliums. Each helps control pests and are safe for pollinators and other wildlife.
Native plants are the cornerstone of a healthy ecosystem
Forrest Keeling is North America’s leading producer of hardy native plants. Their patented RPM-production method helps plants grow and fruit 2X faster. The all-natural method pushes plant survivability over 95% on even harsh sites.
Contact a Forrest Keeling team member today. We’ll help you find the best natives for your project needs.