Today is World Bee Day, a day declared by the United Nations to raise awareness of the vital role bees and other pollinators play in our survival.
Bees may be small, but their impact is enormous. They help grow the food we eat, support biodiversity, keep ecosystems healthy and bring life, colour and movement into our gardens. Whether you have a large country garden, a small suburban backyard, a balcony, or just a few pots by the door, there are simple ways you can make your space more welcoming for bees.
Why do we need bees?
Bees are one of nature’s hardest workers. As they move from flower to flower collecting nectar and pollen, they pollinate plants. This process allows many plants to produce fruit, vegetables, seeds and new growth.
In Australia, bee pollination supports a significant part of our agricultural production. According to World Bee Day, nearly two-thirds of Australia’s agricultural production benefits from bee pollination. That means bees play a role in many of the foods we rely on every day.
But bees are not just important for food crops. They are also essential for biodiversity. Australia is home to around 2,000 species of native bees, many of which have evolved alongside our unique native plants over thousands of years. Some plants are best pollinated by particular insects, and native bees are especially important in supporting Australian flora.
When bees pollinate plants, they help maintain healthy habitats for birds, insects, mammals and other wildlife. Plants also regulate climate, purify air and water, build soil, recycle nutrients and provide shelter. Without pollination, many plants would struggle to reproduce, and that would place pressure on entire ecosystems.
Put simply, without bees, our food supply, biodiversity and ecosystem health are all at risk.
Why do we have World Bee Day?
World Bee Day exists because bees and other pollinators are under threat. Around the world, bee populations are being affected by a range of pressures, including habitat destruction, intensive farming practices, pests, diseases and climate change.
As gardens become smaller and landscapes become more developed, bees can find it harder to access the food and shelter they need. Many flowering plants have been removed from urban and rural areas, reducing the variety of nectar and pollen available throughout the year.
The good news is that gardeners can make a real difference. Every bee-friendly garden, no matter how small, can provide food, shelter and safe resting places for pollinators.
How easy is it to attract bees to your garden?
Very easy: plant flowers!
Nearly all flowers will attract bees, but some are more appealing than others. Bees are especially drawn to flowers that are rich in nectar and pollen. They also tend to love blue, purple, white and yellow flowers.
A bee-friendly garden does not need to be wild or messy, although a little bit of wildness certainly helps. You can create a beautiful, productive and practical garden that also supports bees. The key is to plant a variety of flowering plants so there is something blooming across the seasons.
Native plants are a fantastic choice because they support native bees and other local insects. Herbs, vegetables and cottage garden flowers can also be wonderful for bees, especially when they are allowed to flower.
Top tips for creating a bee haven
1. Grow plants suited to your climate.
Choose plants that suit your Australian climate zone. A healthy, climate-appropriate plant will flower better, need less fuss and provide more reliable food for bees.
2. Let some vegetables go to flower.
When harvesting carrots, leave a few in the ground so they can flower. Their blooms are full of nectar and pollen and are loved by bees and other beneficial insects.
3. Include native plants.
Native plants are excellent for attracting native bees. Look for flowering gums, grevilleas, callistemons, westringias, native daisies and other locally suited species.
4. Choose bee-friendly colours.
Bees are particularly attracted to blue, purple, white and yellow flowers. Adding these colours to your garden can help draw them in.
5. Create shelter.
A bee hotel can give solitary native bees a safe place to rest and nest. Place it somewhere sheltered from heavy rain and harsh afternoon sun.
6. Avoid chemicals where possible.
Many garden sprays can harm bees and other beneficial insects. Try natural pest control methods first, and encourage predators like ladybirds, lacewings and hoverflies.
7. Plant for every season.
Aim to have something flowering in your garden all year round. This gives bees a steady food source, especially during times when flowers are scarce.
Flowering plants do more than look beautiful. They attract bees, support beneficial insects, improve biodiversity and help create a healthier, more balanced garden.
This World Bee Day, take a moment to notice the bees in your garden. Plant a flower, build a bee hotel, let your herbs bloom or add a few native plants to your space. Small actions can make a big difference.
We hope you’ve found this useful. Now is the perfect time to get buzzy creating a bee-friendly garden.
