Did you know that bees are an important part of the Hymenoptera order? With over 150,000 species recognised, with more yet to be discovered, the Hymenoptera are one of the largest orders of insects, which includes wasps, ants and bees. Hymenoptera refers to the wings of the insects with the back wings connecting to the front wings by a series of hooks.
Not only are bees important within the order of the insect world, but they are also extremely beneficial humans too! As an important part of our food chain, a third of the food we eat would not be available without pollination by bees. Not only that, but the honey from bees, alongside the wax and propolis (aka bee glue!) is useful for craft, nutrition, manufacturing and even for medical purpose too!
With the modern world continually disturbing bees in their natural habitats, bees are in danger is disappearing from our gardens. Bumble bees are dwindling at such a rate that there is little chance for re-establishment naturally. Honey bees are threatened by mites, which only professional beekeepers are able to treat and care for.
What can we do to help bees?
The most important thing you need to remember is: don’t be afraid of bees. They only sting when feeling threatened. If you don’t panic around a bumblebee, they will not panic around you – avoiding their natural instinct to sting as a form of defence.
You don’t have to be a professional beekeeper to lend bumble bees a helping hand in your garden this spring and summer either. You can create a buzz in your back garden by simply adding a range of bee friendly plants to your flower bed, to do your good deed for the bees this season!
Bee Friendly Plants
Herbs: Not only is growing your own herbs a really handy way to add flavour to your home cooked meals, but growing herbs such as Lavender, Sage, Thyme and Fennel will also help attract bees and keep them buzzing back for more.
Perennials: Not only are perennials a lovely way to add variation to your garden, but they are also perfect for people who are looking to update their garden for the long run. Generally living for two years and over, they’re also a low maintenance option too. Plant flowers such as Buttercups, Snowdrops and Geraniums to keep bees satisfied!
Annuals: Annual plants complete their life cycle, from germination to the production of seed, within one year. Annual plants attract bees to your garden with their vivid colours and beautifully large flowering heads. Sunflowers, Poppies and Calendula are the perfect additions to help our cute flying friends out in spring and summer!
Make an Insect Hotel!
A great way to spend some time in the garden with the kids is by getting your craft on! Making an insect hotel is an easy and cheap way to introduce little ones to the wonders of wildlife. This easy tutorial for making your own insect hotel from Wildlife Watch is simple to follow and gives you the choice of either making a basic home for insects or a more advanced version.
Are you looking forward to welcoming bees in to your garden this season?
Find more information about gardening for bees over on The British Beekeepers Association website here, where you find a handy link to a leaflet listing all types of bee friendly plants you can plant in your garden.