Soil

Soil is at the very foundation of your garden, and will dictate what types of plants you can grown and how healthy they will be. Soil characteristics determine moisture retention, drainage, nutrient availability, anchors and insulates plant roots and provides a habitat for soil organisms such as fungi and micro fauna to live in. All these processes work together to recycle raw organic material and transform it into nutrients for your plants to grow. What’s more, is that non-compacted healthy soil will offer a nesting place for native bees, which the vast majority nest underground.

Mulch

Mulch is an element that can be a functional and decorative for the garden. There are many types of mulches to choose from, but we recommend natural mulches such as untreated bark chips, or garden residues (fall leaves and yard trimmings are a good one as they decompose and add nutrients to the soil). The advantage of bark chips is that they are more ornamental than plant residue and will last longer before becoming a part of the soil. Mulch will act as a barrier for the establishment of weeds as well as help with water retention, as it does not evaporate as quickly. We still recommend leaving a few bare soil patch for bees to burrow and for some of the native flower seeds to spread.

Decorative elements

Stone is a great addition to any garden, as it is durable, all natural, and adds a certain charm to the garden bed. Many native bees will from their burrows under stones to gain protection from the elements and other wildlife. Wood can be another great addition, with logs or driftwood pieces strategically placed for a more natural look. wood also has the benefit of providing cavities for leafcutter bees, and can be drilled with small holes to make bee houses in which they will build their cells. When choosing ornaments other than stone or wood, avoid plastics that can leach harmful chemicals into the soil as they become weathered. Caution should also be taken with metals, which will rust into the soil over time and can become toxic to plants in higher doses.

Maintenance in a bee-friendly way

Bees and other insects overwinter in the dead vegetation of the garden. Instead of fall cleanups opt for spring cleanups instead, once the snow has thawed. The native insects will thank you for leaving them a place to take refuge over the winter, and will emerge the following season already in the garden and ready to pollinate. In addition, keep in mind that the best way to support wild bees is by planting flowers that bloom at the same time as their period of activity. A large selection of native flowering plants will ensure native bees are cared for from April all the way into October if the plant selection is done right. Visit our flowers and pollinators page for a list of our recommended plant choices for wild bee population support.

Remember, absolutely No pesticides

One of the most major factors contributing to wild bee decline, and pollinators in general, is pesticide use. When fields and ornamental crops are sprayed for problem insects, beneficial insects are killed as well. Try alternatives such as biocontrol using predatory insects. Ladybugs are a good example, as they can be bought in bulk at many nurseries and will effectively and naturally control aphid populations, while leaving bees untouched. If there are few pests and they are noticed early on, they can also be removed by hand using a soft glove or cloth.