As spring rolls around and the temperatures begin to warm up, bees and other insects come out to play and smell the flowers. However, in recent years, honeybee populations and butterfly populations have begun to decline due to the use of pesticides. Fortunately, there is something that can be done and it’s as simple as picking out different flowers for the garden. Here are a few flowers, according to growforagecookferment.com, that can help to attract bees or butterflies and encourage population growth while also having other uses!
Bee balm, aptly named because it attracts bees, as well as butterflies and hummingbirds, is a flower that comes in many colors and varieties and doubles as a medicinal plant that is edible and can be used for cold symptoms.
Borage, commonly a blue flower – which can also be pink or white – is a simple plant that makes excellent companions for other flowers as they keep away unwanted pests while attracting bees. This is another edible plant and is good for the respiratory and circulatory systems.
Lavender is another good choice, and while it seems to mostly attract bumblebees, it can attract bees of all types, including honeybees. It blooms all season long, which makes it important for pollinators. Lavender is not only good for bees but for people too! It has a calming effect, is thought to keep mosquitos at bay, and is useful in baking.
Mint, while being an invasive plant, is great for bees and can also be used in cooking. It has many different varieties. Another great plant is Oregano, for those wanting a herb garden. This little plant brings in the bees and hummingbirds. It also has strong antifungal and antibacterial properties, in addition to being a great cooking ingredient.
Sunflowers are big and beautiful and perfect for bees to land on. This bright yellow flower can get extremely tall and the seeds make a great snack once the flower has died in the fall.
These are just a few plants that make great additions to gardens to help the bee population. There are many other flowers and plants, no matter what type of garden you want to grow. It can be as simple as asking your local garden center what types of plants are good for bees and butterflies. This spring, as you plant your garden, think of the bees and plant something for them too.
Jeri Hensley
Managing Editor