If you are interested in helping out bees, our first suggestion is always planting a bee friendly garden! This is a win/win scenario. Bees can forage on the pollen and nectar they need to survive and gardeners can enjoy a well pollinated garden and the friendly visitors.
The Honey Bee Research Centre has produced a brochure which lists over 90 species of annuals, perennials, trees, shrubs and vegetable garden plants which are all attractive to a variety of bee species. Some of the plants listed are native, while others are introduced. Most of the species are commonly available.
Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden
Bees play an important role as
pollinators, working on both wild
plants and food crops. Growing
plants that appeal to bees
provides them with the pollen and nectar they need to survive.
significantly to the production of fruit,
vegetables and other foods that we enjoy.
Seven Ways to Help Bees in Your Home Garden
Many practices that help bees also help to keep your garden looking its best!
Plan for Continuous Bloom
This provides colorful flowers throughout the growing season, as well as a steady supply of food for bees. Trees and shrubs can also provide valuable food for bees when garden flowers are not in bloom.
Mass Plants
Placing several of the same species in a group helps to attract bees. Massing makes plants easier to find so that bees use less energy to collect pollen or nectar. Remember to allow each plant enough space to grow, and keep a variety of plants in your garden.
Avoid Pesticides
Bees are sensitive to pesticides, so avoid them if possible. Plants along roadsides, in vacant areas, and in the garden all benefit bees. If weeds are an issue, try to remove them without spraying.
View our Bee Friendly Garden Brochure here: Bee-Garden-Brochure
Interested in distributing these brochures for an event?
We sell them in multiples of 25 or more at printing cost.
The Nectar Trees, Shrubs and Herbs of Ontario brochure
For more information on honey bee foraging plants, visit The Nectar Trees, Shrubs and Herbs of Ontario brochure produced by OMAFRA with the assistance of the University of Guelph available for free download.
Read more about our brochure here: honeybee-publication