"Bee Inspired By Nature"

Having just celebrated World Bee Day on May 20th, this year’s theme was “Bee Inspired By Nature”.  Bees, and other pollinators, are absolutely essential to sustaining life on our planet -  because they are crucial for plant reproduction and food supplies.  

The bees collect and transfer pollen between flowers, and so they enable plants to be fertilized - producing seeds, fruits, and many of the crops we eat.  Without them, not only would there be less diversity in the plants that we see, but our food supply would also be severely impacted. 

Bees contribute to many other ecosystems too -  they help to maintain biodiversity in nature by pollinating wild plants and trees, and in doing so support the many species of wildlife who feed on them.  They even contribute to carbon cycling and can improve soil health.

So what can we do to help protect these wonderful insects? Here are a few simple tips on how we can help bees to thrive:

• Never use pesticides in your garden

• Allow your lawn to grow by mowing less often. 

• Many plants considered to be weeds are also an invaluable food source for many pollinators - so let those dandelions grow!

• Provide water for pollinators to drink and bathe in by leaving out a shallow dish with some pebbles in it

• Provide nest sites for wild bees by leaving some undisturbed areas of grass and plant coverage - you could even make a bee hotel using materials found in your garden

One of the best ways to encourage bees and other pollinators into your garden is by providing nectar and pollen-rich flowers throughout the year.  As a guide, bees can see blue and purple flowers better than other colours so are naturally drawn to them, but there are many nectar filled plants bees love such as: 

• Lavender

• Sunflowers

• Clover

• Foxgloves

• Cosmos

• Hellebores

Hopefully you will "Bee Inspired" to get into your garden and get planting!