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How to Create a Bee Feast
Planting any of these ten bee-friendly plants in your garden not only adds beauty but also creates a vital sanctuary for our declining pollinator populations.
Bees are especially drawn to nectar-rich plants, as nectar provides energy through natural sugars. Pollen, rich in protein, is also critical—especially after winter, when food is scarce and bees need to replenish their strength and numbers.
Without bees, vegetable yields could drop by up to 80%, according to some studies. In parts of southwest China, orchard pollination is now done by hand due to the total loss of pollinators. Globally, around 70% of the fruits, seeds, and nuts we eat rely on pollination
What’s Causing Bee Decline
There is growing concern about the rapid decline in bee populations. Factors include:
- Extreme weather linked to climate change
- Widespread pesticide use
- Habitat loss due to urban development and modern farming practices
The UK alone is home to more than 250 bee species. Sadly, these face a combination of threats that are causing a serious decline. About 24% of Europe’s bumblebee species are now at risk of extinction. And yet, bees contribute an estimated £690 million annually to the UK economy (WWF, this month).
One in every three bites of food we eat exists because of pollinators. If they disappear, growing food as we know it would become incredibly difficult.
Major Threats to Bees
The most significant drivers of bee decline include:
- Urbanisation and the erosion of diverse landscapes
- Pesticide overuse
- Habitat loss—fewer places to forage, nest, and breed
- Disrupted flowering patterns due to climate change
- Invasive species (e.g. Asian hornets preying on bees)
- Parasites and disease
- Low genetic diversity
- Commercial bee practices that can spread pathogens
In some U.S. states, commercial honeybee colonies have seen devastating losses—up to 70% this year, according to entomologists.
Why Gardens Matter
Pollinator-friendly gardens do more than just support bees—they boost overall biodiversity. These gardens attract beneficial insects that naturally control pests, increase fruit and vegetable yields, and offer culinary perks through a variety of herbs and edible plants.
How You Can Help
We need to create a continuous food corridor for pollinators throughout the year.
Groups like the Devon Bee Community emphasise that bees need three key things to thrive:
- Food
- Shelter
- Water
- Choose the right flowers: Single-petal flowers are best not hybridised varieties, and blue is a bee favourite.
- Create layers: Plant a mix that flowers at different times for a continuous bloom.
- Go big: Plant in large clusters—this saves bees energy as they forage.
- Let your lawn grow: Dandelions and daisies are important early food sources.
- Leave quiet corners: Bees nest in rotting wood, compost heaps, and under hedges.
- Offer water: Place a shallow dish with stones or shells to give bees a safe drinking spot.
- Avoid harmful choices:
- Minimise or avoid pesticides.
- Limit plastic use in the garden.
- Compost: Attract beneficial insects by starting a compost heap.
- Get to know your bees: Observe them in your garden and learn about their life cycles so you can better support them.
Bees need plants to bloom from early spring through to winter—not just during peak summer. Here’s how to help:
- Choose the right flowers: Single-petal flowers are best not hybridised varieties, and blue is a bee favourite.
- Create layers: Plant a mix that flowers at different times for a continuous bloom.
- Go big: Plant in large clusters—this saves bees energy as they forage.
- Let your lawn grow: Dandelions and daisies are important early food sources.
- Leave quiet corners: Bees nest in rotting wood, compost heaps, and under hedges.
- Offer water: Place a shallow dish with stones or shells to give bees a safe drinking spot.
- Avoid harmful choices:
- Minimise or avoid pesticides.
- Limit plastic use in the garden.
- Compost: Attract beneficial insects by starting a compost heap.
- Get to know your bees: Observe them in your garden and learn about their life cycles so you can better support them.
Our Top 10 Bee Friendly Plants
Early spring - Snowdrops
Early spring - Crocus
Late spring - Anemonie (Mr Fokker)
Late spring - Alliums
Summer - Lavender
Summer - Verbena (Bonariensis)
Late Summer-Sedum autumn-joy
Late Summer - Aster
Winter - Hellebores
Winter - Ivy
Final Thoughts
We don’t all need to do everything—but if each of us does something, we can make a big difference for pollinators and our planet.
The UK Poms FIT survey helps us monitor pollinators from 1st April to 30th September this year to have a better understanding of what is really going on! So join in and carry out a survey in your garden while having a tea or coffee break - https://ukpoms.org.uk/fit-counts
