When the temperature reaches 10°C or higher, many of our bees emerge. It’s such a treat to see them—especially knowing that their numbers are under threat. Wouldn’t it be nice to create even a small habitat around our homes to help them out, particularly in early spring when food sources are scarce?
Winter-flowering heathers seem to be their top choice. Just looking at heather beds on the weekend, you could see them crawling with bees. What a beautiful complement to nature! Hellebores, a winter-blooming favourite, are another key nectar source. On a warm day, take a closer look at the blooms, and you’ll likely find bees inside. Several early-blooming bulbs, such as crocus, snowdrops, and aconites, are also a welcome sight for these important pollinators.
Winter-flowering trees play a crucial role as well. Sasanqua camellias, Lonicera fragrantissima (fragrant honeysuckle), and Viburnum ‘Pink Dawn’ all provide great benefits to bees. Sweetbox (Sarcococca), which is currently perfuming our gardens, is another valuable bee attractor. Although it may not be as popular as some of the others, it still plays a significant role.
As much as we love pussy willows for their soft, charming buds, they are also incredibly valuable to bees for the pollen they provide once the buds begin to open. It’s a delight to see happy bees covered in pollen, buzzing from stem to stem! Given how many buds an established pussy willow produces—and the fact that they open over an extended period—they make an excellent long-term food source.
Pieris japonica is not only a staple in many gardens for its versatility and easy-growing nature, but it’s also a fantastic addition to a pollinator garden. King Edward flowering currants, which will soon be blooming, are appreciated by bees and hummingbirds alike.
With so many great options, it may be hard to choose just one for your garden. But even a single addition can make a world of difference for our buzzing friends!
Erin Minter
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