How gardeners can save bees...

it starts with education

Did you know that the total area of privately owned gardens in the UK alone is estimated to be between approximately 1.8 million and 10 million acres.

Now Imagine how much is owned in the US, Australia, Canada and across Europe...

Regardless of the exact figure however, it's clear that private gardens constitute a significant portion of the UK's green space which is actually great news!

It means combined, willing gardeners can offer substantial potential for supporting biodiversity and enhancing environmental quality. (this article continues below the video)

Bee super food!

Know your bees

This means, as gardeners, we have a unique opportunity to make a difference.

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Creating an organic pollinator friendly space is actually easier than you think and also a lot cheaper.

Here’s how you can turn your garden into a bee-friendly haven.

1. Plant Flowers

• Bees thrive on nectar and pollen, so planting a variety of flowering plants is crucial. Focus on:

  
  

• Native plants: Local species provide the nutrients bees need and are adapted to your region’s climate.

  
  

• Diverse bloom times: Choose plants that flower in different seasons to ensure a constant food source.

  
  

• Colorful choices: Bees are particularly attracted to blue, purple, and yellow flowers.

  
  

• Plant early & late flowers: Create a super long flowering season in your garden from as early to as late as possible. Different varieties of bees appear in your garden in different seasons so it's important to cater for all bees at all times. (the article continues below the video)

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  2. Stop using pesticides

Chemical pesticides, especially neonicotinoids, are be deadly to bees. A bee extinction level event occurs every time people use pesticides on their garden, crops, in plant nurseries, and on farms.

Instead:

• Have faith in nature. Use natural bio diversity as your weapon of choice. By growing as wide a variety of plants and flowers as you can and creating a habitat for birds you will encourage natural pest predators into your garden, who will without any cost to you, tackle your pests organically.

• Try companion planting to deter pests naturally.

  
  

• Opt for organic homemade fertilizers and fungicides when possible, so you can be sure of the ingredients you are using on your garden. (article continues below video)

3. Provide Shelter

Bees need more than food—they need safe places to nest:

Bee hotels: Perfect for solitary bees like mason and leafcutter bees.

Undisturbed soil: Some bees burrow underground, so leaving patches of bare soil is helpful.

Hollow stems: Leaving some plant stems untrimmed can offer nesting sites.

4. Create a Water Source

Just like us, bees need water. Provide a shallow dish or birdbath with stones for landing pads so bees can drink safely. Avoid deep water without access points—it can be a hazard.

5. Grow Herbs

Many herbs are irresistible to bees. Plant lavender, thyme, oregano, mint, and rosemary to give your bees both food and fragrant surroundings. Plus, you get fresh herbs for your kitchen!

6. Educate and Inspire Others

Share your garden and your knowledge with neighbours friends and family. See if you can extend the organic and bio diverse space by getting your neighbours to commit to saving the bees also. A single bee-friendly garden can inspire neighbors and community gardens to do the same. Awareness multiplies impact.

Final Thoughts

Saving bees doesn’t require a huge space or fancy equipment—just thoughtful choices and consistent care. By planting flowers, avoiding harmful chemicals, and providing shelter and water, gardeners can make a tangible difference for these essential pollinators. Together, we can create a world where bees thrive and our gardens flourish.