Bee Friendly Garden

We often overlook bees, seeing them as a pest or a disturbing creature that only provides us with honey. Bees however, are a crucial part of the environment and ecosystem. With diseases like CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder), bee mites and the harmful effects of pesticides, bees are nearing the endangered species list rapidly.

By planting bee-friendly vegetation, we can help bees find food quicker.

Annuals:                                            

• Asters                                                             
• Calliopsis                                                        
• Clover                                                            
• Marigolds                                                       
• Poppies                       
• Sunflowers                 
• Zinnias                                                          

Garden Plants:

• Blackberries
• Cataloupe
• Garlic
• Gourds
• Peppers
• Pumpkins
• Raspberries
• Strawberries
• Watermelon

Perennials:               

• Buttercups                                                                  
• Clematis                                                         
• Cosmos                                                          
• Dahlias                       
• Echinacea                   
• Geraniums                  
• Hyacinth                    
• Rock Cress                 
• Snowdrops                 
• Tansy                          

Herbs:

• Borage
• Catnip
• Fennel
• Lavender
• Mint
• Rosemary
• Sage
• Thyme

Shrubs:

• Blueberry
• Butterfly Bush
• Honeysuckle
• Indigo

Bees love yellow, blue and purple flowers. Make sure to plant at different times of the season, so there is always blooming vegetation for bees to feed off of. Like any other animal or insect, bees need a plentiful water supply. If your property does not have a water supply, having a fountain or a pond, can support them. Make sure to have a shallow bed of water with stones that protrude so bees have a place to land.

When choosing what to plant, keep in mind that mature plants may have been treated with pesticides. Even small seedlings and some seeds are treated with pesticides before being shipped to stores. To ensure your plants are pesticide-free, choose organic brands or look for the NON-GMO label.

The Healthy Grocer has bee-friendly organic seeds by Lake Valley available for purchase. Together we can support the growth of a healthy garden where bees can thrive.

CJ LaRose is a Senior Supervisor and Bookkeeper at The Healthy Grocer. She is passionate about gardening and living a healthy lifestyle.

Source: http://thehoneybeeconservancy.org/plant-a-bee-garden/