Bee Friendly Tips

Over the years, I've seen several social media posts about saving the bees and planting wildflowers for the bees. As a person who works in agriculture and who briefly studied horticulture, I've got a few quick tips for those interested.

1) Avoid wildflower seed mixes.

These often contain seeds of flower that are invasive and can take over the natural ecosystem. If you do use a wildflower mix, make sure the species are listed (using their Latin names) and then check to make sure they aren't on the provincial noxious or prohibited noxious weed list.

2) Plant flowers that bloom at different times of the year.

This way, bees have access to food throughout their active season. And don't forget about flowering trees and shrubs!

Thanks to a "Planting for Pollinators Workshop" put on last year by Barrhead County and Highway 2 Conservation, I've got some suggestions for native wild flowers for those of you who live in central Alberta.

• Blue Clematis (Clematis occidentalis)
• Snowy Fleabane (Erigeron speciosus)
• Blanket Flower (Gaillardia aristata)
• Golden Aster (Heterotheca villosa)
• Dotted Blazing Star (Liatris punctata)
• Blue Flax (Linum lewisii)
• Prairie Crocus (Pulsatilla patens)
• Blue Eyed Grass (Sisyrinchium monatum)
• Cut-Leaved Anemone (Anemone multifida)
• Jacob's Ladder (Polemonium pulcherrimum)
• Smooth Blue Beardtongue (Penstemon nitidus)
• Spike Goldenrod (Solidago simplex)
• Three-Flowered Avens (Geum triflorum)
• Indian Paintbrush (Castilleja miniata)

3) Keep weeds for the bees.

None of us are fond of any type of weed, but if you live on an acreage or farm, you might want to consider allowing the dandelions and clovers to stay - at least in a couple of areas. These provide a good source of food for the bees. Just make sure you aren't saving the noxious or prohibited noxious weeds (like the Orange Hawkweed shown in the picture)!

A patch of Orange Hawkweed (a prohibited noxious weed) I found in a pasture a few years ago.

4) Plant a vegetable garden.

Most plants in our vegetable garden have flower, many of which attract bees. Plus, you get veggies. It's a win-win!

5) Find more tips and some specific plant ideas at the following websites:

• "Do Your Part to Help the Bees" - article from the Edmonton Journal
• "Attracting Bees" - blog post from Salisbury Greenhouse
• "5 Pollinator-Friendly Flowers to Brighten Your Garden" - article from Avenue Magazine
• "Plant Selections for Bees" - blog post from ABC Bees
• "Lola Canola's Sage Advice - Planting for Bees" - blog post from Edmonton Horticultural Society
• "11 Plants to Make Your Garden Bee-Friendly" - article from CBC News
• "Wild about Flowers" - website specializing in native Alberta wildflowers

Do you have any bee-friendly tips to share? Let me know in the comments section below!