Bees are vital our local ecosystems. They
pollinate the plants and are an important part of the food chain. But, many
people take drastic measures to discourage bees and other pollinators from
frequenting their flora, which is potentially harmful for the very lawns they
wish to protect.
Here, we offer advice on which plants to avoid
and which to consider when you want to attract beautiful buzzing bees.
Broadleaf
evergreen shrubs
There are a number of low-lying broadleaf
evergreen shrubs that won’t attract bees or their more
aggressive cousins, wasps. Many are shade tolerant so these types of greenery
make a great addition to your landscape but must be balanced with flowering
shrubs, such as blueberry bushes, in order to offer a hospitable foraging zone
for bees, butterflies, and other flying pollinators.
Evergreens are plants that, as their name
suggests, remain green year-round. These trees and shrubs are not pollinated by
bees but by the wind. They are common in virtually all regions and make
excellent hedgers if you want a more private backyard. PennLive reports that while dense evergreens
don’t provide food for bees, they do offer shelter, especially when paired with
tall trees and ornamental grasses.
Flowering
plants
Bees need flowering blooms to collect nectar
and pollen for their hive and to pollinate other plants. There are a few
varieties that, despite their beauty and inviting fragrance, aren’t
particularly bee-friendly. In a 2007 article, LiveScience reported that bees tend to favor violet and blue hues.
Irises and other tall, easily accessible flowers may be most attractive,
especially in the spring. Red flowers are not as interesting for most bees, since
their vision doesn’t pick up red as we do. Instead of the bright and brilliant
color we see when we look at a bed full of red flowers, bees simply see a monotone sea of
grey.
Flowers with long-throated blooms, like the
foxglove, are also not especially conducive to an active bee population. A fall
favorite in most of the country, marigolds are also considered a no-fly zone
for bees. Marigolds have a very low pollen count and, due to their double
corolla design, and are not attractive to bees and wasps. For more information
on flowering plants to avoid when planning a bee-attracting garden, check out
this list provided by Go Garden Guides.
Accent
plants and herbs
While we need the bees in our yards, it’s not
a bad idea to discourage them from frequenting areas where people gather.
Decks, patios, and porches can be designed as off-limits areas by including a
few strong smelling herbs and accent plants that don’t act as an open
invitation for bees and other perceived pests. Debug Pest Control recommends
planters filled with spearmint and thyme. These herbs are
pleasingly fragrant to humans but not pollinators. In larger areas, eucalyptus
trees and bushes can work as a deterrent.
Living
in harmony
It isn’t difficult to live side-by-side with bees. These beneficial
flyers are usually non-aggressive and will take the path of least resistance
while working the yard. Teach children, who are prone to bee stings in the
summer, to stay away from densely flowered areas and to watch out for places
bees like to hide, such as brush piles and dead trees. Before beginning any
yard work, take a quick walk around your property to identify any areas where
bees might be nesting or actively foraging. Don’t wear brightly-colored
clothing outdoors, always wear protective footwear, and eliminate man-made
attractants (food, beverages, and trash).
Remember, we need the bees and the bees need
us to see their value. By balancing your landscape and respecting bees’ natural
habits and habitats, we can encourage a healthy bee population and enjoy the
fruits of their labor.
Article Kindly written for Grantham Beekeepers by;
Christy Erickson info@savingourbees.org