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Some persons fear bees, while some of us know just how great these little guys are for any garden. Before we go on, we would like to state that the bees we are talking about are bumblebees, the fat fuzzy ones. It may surprise you to know that these guys are quite gentle and passive. What is more is that they are great pollinators, which is why any garden owner would love to have them in their gardens.
As a gardener, you need them to feast on your flowers and help pollinate your garden and keep it looking amazing. Some persons easily confuse wasps for bees; therefore, we want to reiterate that those are not what we are referring to. Matter of fact, if you find wasps in your garden, you need to get a wasp trap to rid them from your garden but choose a trap that is not attracted to bumblebees and honeybees.
Now that we know how great bees are to a garden, how do we attract them? Luckily, we are here for you. Below are some easy ways you can make your garden welcoming for our sweet fuzzy pollinators.
1. Have Something They Can Sip On
Have you ever seen a bumblebee that was acting lethargic? If you have, then the reason is probably that the poor creature was dehydrated. Did that come as a shock to you? It may be funny, but it is true, bees can get dehydrated. So, if you want to keep them in your garden, then you can put water in shallow dishes and place them around flowers. This way, the bees will come and stay since they have water to keep them hydrated.
2. Provide Shade
They need protection from the heat and sun too. You want them to stay so you have to make your garden as comfortable as possible for them. You can provide shade for them with plants.
One plant that can easily help you accomplish this is coleus, a leafy plant that can be planted by borders and pots to provide shade.
3. Plant Bee Balm
The name itself is a clear indication that this plant can attract bees. Not only will this plant do this, but it will also help beautify your garden.
4. Plant Flowering Fruits and Vegetables
Flowering vegetables and fruits like tomatoes, zucchini, apples, and strawberries can help draw out the bees you need. Planting these crops is beneficial to both you and the bees since they can get the pollens from the crops, and you get the vegetables and fruits.
5. Do Not Use Pesticides
This should be obvious. You are inviting insects, loading pesticides in the garden will simply kill them all off. Therefore, instead of using pesticides, you can use natural protection against pests. Certain herbs should do the job. You can also burn sage and use some ladybugs.
6. Plant Native Flowers and Plants
Some plants are peculiar to regions and insects of that area will be more familiar with these plants. So, to attract our fuzzy friends, you need to find out what these native plants are and then plant them.
7. Plant Flowers with Single Petals
Bees do not like complications. Flowers that are layered like peonies may be hard for the bees to pollinate. Therefore, instead of planting these layered flowers, invest in single and flat petal ones like Black-Eyed Susans and Queen Ann’s Lace.
8. Remember Colors
When you plant, remember that bees love yellow, purple, and blue plants and flowers. When these colors dominate your landscape, our fuzzy friends will notice them and buzz in to check them out.
9. Stretch out Your Plantings
You may want to plant everything at the beginning of the season; this is a sure way to bring the bees in. They will surely have a swell time feasting in the early season. But once the plants are done blooming, they will move on.
To avoid this, stretch out your plantings. This way, they will have fresh blooms throughout the season. This is one smart way to ensure they come and stay. Believe us; they will surely appreciate this move.
10. Plant Perennials
Bees love many perennials. Lilies, butterfly weed, coneflower, and poppies are among the perennials that they love.
11. Get an Insect House
Many people assume that bees typically have hives where they live communally. However, many bees are lone wanderers. So, if you want to keep them once they arrive, you can consider keeping an insect house in your garden.
You may either buy the house or build them by yourself if you are a DIY enthusiast. You can visit https://www.instructables.com/Build-a-Nest-Box-for-Bumblebees/ to find out more information on how to build a bumblebee nest box.
12. Do not aggravate or Kill Them
This is a post-getting-them tip. When they finally arrive in your garden, please treat them respectfully. You welcomed them in; the last thing you should be doing is aggravating or killing them. If you have kids, then you need to teach them how to respect the bees and their space. Teach your kids not to swat or kill them.
Trust us, if they are left alone, then they will also not bother you. These insects are quite lovely and docile ones. They typically do not sting or bite, they simply want to mind their business and buzz around. Having them in your garden will be one of the best things to have ever happened to your garden.
Conclusion
Getting bumblebees in your garden will increase pollination and help ensure your landscape stays attractive. Attracting these buzzy friends is not a hard thing to do. All you need to do is plant the right plants and flowers.
Once they arrive, you need to avoid using pesticides as this will kill them. Finally, ensure you respect them and do not aggravate them. Bumblebees are docile and will even fly away to avoid trouble, but if you aggravate them, they may sting you as a last form of defense.
