Saving the bees and boosting their population has been a topic of discussion over the past several years, and it’ll continue to be a necessity until the bee population sits at an ideal number.
Without bees, the entire ecosystem would suffer because we rely on them to pollinate the majority of the crops we eat. With that in mind, you can do your part to support your local bees with these plants to encourage bee population growth.
Lavender
Lavender plants are an all-time favorite for bees, and they provide an excellent touch of color and beauty in your yard. Planting lavender on your property has many benefits, including repelling unwanted bugs and pests. However, the fragrant aroma attracts helpful insects and pollinators such as bees and butterflies.
Abelia
Abelia is a beautiful ornamental shrub, but many people often overlook it. The foliage is gorgeous, and it’s a relatively low-maintenance plant after establishment. Furthermore, abelia carries the nickname of Bee Bush because of its ability to attract bees. Abelia plants have fragrant tubular flowers that bloom for months, making them the perfect food source for butterflies, bees, hummingbirds, and other pollinators.
Pussy Willow
Pussy willow trees are great options to feed the bees in the early spring as they start building their colonies and swarm to create new ones. Interestingly, pussy willow trees bloom very early in the season, making them one of the first signs of spring. Because they bloom so early, they help bees through the scarce months.
Lilac
Lilac bushes are a gorgeous addition to your property, and their fragrant blossoms are nectar- and pollen-rich. The beautiful purplish flowers bloom during the spring and summer months, and their bright-colored petals and delightful aroma work to attract bees and other essential pollinators.
Although growing plants to encourage bee population growth is essential, it’s just one of the many ways to advocate for honeybees in your community. Without bees, you wouldn’t have the food you need to survive; therefore, you should take advantage of the opportunity to boost their population before they’re at a higher risk for extinction.