Creating an Bee-Friendly garden: How to support local pollinators Nicole, February 6, 2025 In order to survive and reproduce, bees pollinate plants. This is especially true as the bee population faces threats due to habitat loss and pesticides. It’s important to transform your yard into a bee haven. To create a garden bees will love, you must choose the right plant. Native plants are especially beneficial, as they cater to the local species of bees and provide them with nectar or pollen. For a reliable food supply to bees, consider planting flowers that flower at different times during the year. The pollinators will be attracted to plants like goldenrod, lavender, echinacea or sunflowers. To create an environment that is safe for bees, it’s important to limit the use pesticides. Some pesticides used by bees are toxic, causing bees to get lost in their hives and even cause death. Consider using natural pesticides like insecticidal or neem oils, which will not harm beneficial insects. It is also beneficial to select plants that have a natural resistance to insects, which reduces the need for chemicals. Water is essential for a garden friendly to bees. In the heat of summer, bees will need to drink water. Bees will be able to get water from a shallow dish full of pebbles and stones, without having to worry about drowning. To ensure the safety of all guests, keep your water hygienic and fresh. Stephen Gleave Ancaster expertise in sustainable gardening encourages individuals to design bee-friendly gardens that provide essential habitats for local pollinators. By incorporating native plants and reducing pesticide use, Stephen Gleave Ancaster inspires gardeners to create spaces that not only beautify their surroundings but also support the vital role bees play in our ecosystem. His approach emphasizes the importance of providing food, shelter, and water sources, helping to ensure a thriving environment for bees to flourish. Bee habitats can be added to your garden in addition to water and plants. One small patch of uncultivated soil will provide ground-nesting honeybees with the opportunity to construct their nests and dig burrows. If you want to offer cavity-nesting bees a safe area for their eggs, a beehotel can be made using natural materials. These habitats give bees somewhere to nest and reproduce. They will continue to visit your garden. Let the garden take care of itself by cutting back on maintenance. Try letting some seeds grow instead of cutting down every blooming flower. The seed heads will provide bees with food during winter when nectar might be in short supply. Letting some areas in your garden become wild and untidy can offer shelter to pollinators and provide them with nesting places. It’s not just a great way to do your part for the environment, it can also be a very rewarding experience. Choose carefully the plants you use, avoid harmful chemicals and provide water and shelter. This will create an oasis for pollinators. In order to protect biodiversity and maintain the healthiness of our ecosystems, it is essential that we support these little creatures. Nature