As the days lengthen, the sun warms and nature springs into accelerated growth mode, the month of May is a wonderful opportunity to celebrate and support nature.
This month in our top tips series, we focus on two key events: World Bee Day on May 20th, commemorating the birth of beekeeping pioneer Anton Janša in 1734, and National Children's Gardening Week from May 25th to June 2nd.
Both occasions highlight the importance of nurturing our natural world and the next generation of gardeners.
Supporting Bees in Your Garden or Outdoor Space
Bees play a crucial role in pollinating many of our favourite fruits, vegetables, and flowers. Without them, our gardens and plates would look very different. And without them, humanity probably wouldn’t be here either. So everything we can do to support the humble bee - which faces a bunch of challenges across its habitat, many caused by humanity - goes a long way to a more sustainable future for the planet. Here’s how you can make your outdoor spaces a haven for bees, whether you have a sprawling garden or just a sunny windowsill:
- Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Choose plants that are rich in pollen and nectar, such as lavender, foxgloves, and borage. Planting a variety of species that flower at different times of the year ensures that bees have a continuous food source. You can find loads of ready-made, inexpensive seed packs in shops and online - so as well as planting on your ‘patch’ - you could consider a bit of wild seed sowing and see what happens (just make sure you use native flowering plants).
- Create a Bee Bath: Bees need water just like we do. Fill a shallow dish or birdbath with clean water, and arrange stones and pebbles inside so that they stick out of the water, giving bees a safe place to land and drink. This works well whether you have a garden, balcony or office windowsill.
- Avoid Pesticides: Chemicals used to kill pests can also harm bees. Opt for natural pest control methods, such as encouraging ladybirds and using soapy water sprays, to keep your garden bee-friendly. And if you can, support bee’s further by choosing organic or pesticide free fruit and produce.
- Provide Bee Habitats: Leave some natural growth areas in your garden, such as patches of daisies and dandelions, or set up a bee hotel made from hollow stems or drilled holes in wood to offer nesting sites. You’ll be amazed how just one or two flowering plants on a balcony can bring in bees and other pollinators
- Offer Flowering Herbs: Herbs like rosemary, thyme, and chives are not only useful for your cooking but their flowers are great for bees. Even in small spaces, a pot of flowering herbs can provide much-needed nourishment.
Encouraging Children into the Garden During National Children's Gardening Week
Gardening is a fantastic way for children to connect with nature and learn about the lifecycle of plants and the importance of biodiversity, including bees. Here’s some quick things you can do during National Child Gardening week at the end of May:
- Start Simple: Give children their own small plot of land or a pot to take care of. Easy-to-grow plants like sunflowers, peas, or strawberries are great starters, offering quick results that will thrill and motivate young gardeners. Plus they’ll feel super proud of the end results.
- Garden Crafts: Encourage children to build their own bee hotels or decorate plant pots. This promotes creativity and ownership, making the gardening experience more engaging.
- Pollinator Scavenger Hunt: Create a fun game where children need to spot different types of bees and other pollinators. It’s an educational activity that can teach children about the importance of each species.
- Grow Bee-Friendly Plants: Involve children in planting bee-friendly flowers, explaining how these plants support the bees that pollinate many of the foods they love.
- Read and Learn Together: Use children’s books and resources to learn about bees and gardening. Stories and facts about the secret life of bees can be fascinating and inspiring for children.
Let’s make this May a celebration of growth, learning, and sustainability, helping bees thrive and inspiring the next generation to continue these efforts. Each small step - whether a child’s or a bee’s, can contribute to a significant impact on our planet’s health and future.
