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Honey bees are not the only bees in trouble. Our native bees are also in decline. The use of pesticides known to be deadly to bees has been linked to the dangerous decline in pollinator populations.

If anything could bring the world to its knees it’s the disappearance of all the bees. Man could not survive very well – if at all – without bees, one of the most important players in the ecosystem chain.

Asclepias (native butterfly weed) with native bees.

The sad part is that the cause and the consequences are known. And yet the people “in charge” and responsible are so ruled by the dollar they do nothing to stop this disaster in the making. But — that’s another story.

The Good News

The good news is — you can help the bees. Almost quite literally you can help “your” bees. I term it that way because bees only range about 2 miles from their nest. So the ones you see in your garden live in your area, if not in your yard!

Your Help Accomplishes More Than One Thing

At the same time you’ll help the other beneficial insects that attack the bad bugs in your garden since they all need nectar and pollen. Nectar is a bees main source of energy. Pollen provides the proteins and fats they need. Beneficial predator insects need nectar and pollen when the pests they feed on are not available.

Beneficial wasp on daisy. The picture is blurred, but I want to show you this little wasp.

Flowers that Produce More Pollen and Nectar

When planning what flowers you want to beautify your garden and help the bees and beneficials, choose those that produce the most pollen and nectar. Hybridized plants won’t always accomplished the mission. In many cases, hybridization has reduced the flower’s production of pollen and nectar.

These pink and purple New England Asters are natives.

Native Plants or Plants Derived from Natives

Native plants and plants derived from natives attract more native bees. Plants like Black-eyed Susan (Rudbeckia), Goldenrod (Solidago), Purple Coneflowers (Echinacea), Sunflower (Helianthus) and Asters are great ones to start out. Flat headed flowers like yarrow, queen anne’s lace, tansy, dill and parsley are especially good.

Solidago (goldenrod) and sedum in bloom on the left.

Different Strokes for Different Folks (sorry — I meant Different Strokes for Different Bees - )

There are thousands of species of bees in our country. They’re all a bit different and feed on different shaped flowers. So when choosing your plants provide a range of flower shapes so more bees can benefit.

Echinacia (purple coneflowers) started to open in late spring.

They Need to Eat All Season

Choose a selection of plants that will offer bloom (thus, pollen and nectar) through the entire growing season (spring, summer and fall). Try planting at least 3 of each. The clumps, of course, will attract more pollinators than an individual plant.

Give the Good Guys a Chance

Don’t use pesticides. Even some of the ones listed for organic gardeners can kill beneficials as well as the bad guys. Give the good guys a chance to live to get the job done.

Diversify Even with Color

The colors blue, purple, violet, white, and yellow are said to be particularly attractive to bees.

The flat heads of yarrow.

If You Want a Better Harvest

And take note – when you help the bees and other beneficials, you help yourself as well. Studies have shown that plants — even self pollinating plants — produce more fruit after being visited by the bees.

Help the Bees and Help Your Garden

When you’re planning your vegetable garden plan flowers as well.  Make your garden (and your yard for that matter) a haven for our native bees and beneficial insects.  Not only will your property and garden be more beautiful, but your small friends will repay you a thousand fold for providing them with food, water and shelter.

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To get you started here’s a short list of some plants that Beneficial Insects and Pollinators find especially attractive.

Herbs

basil
borage
comfrey
caraway
coriander
dill
fennel
feverfew
garlic chives
golden marguerite (Anthemis Tenctoria) (this is one of the best) also known as yellow camomile
English lavender (Lavandula Angustifolia)
parsley
tansy
thyme

Cover Crops

Alfalfa
crimson clover
buckwheat
Hairy vetch

Wild Natives

butterfly weed (Asclepias Tuberosa)
Queen Anne’s Lace
dandelions
clover

Annuals

corn poppy
california poppy
cosmos
marigold
zinnia

Perennials

New England Asters
catmint (Nepeta)
Coreopsis
coneflowers (Echinacea)
candytuft
goldenrod (Solidago)
Rudbeckia
sedums
sunflowers (Helianthus)
prairie sunflower (Helianthus Maximiliani)
yarrow (Achillea millefolium)
yarrow (Achillea Fillipendulina)

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