You’ve probably heard folks saying that bees are dying off and the planet is responding poorly to this massive loss. Unfortunately, this is true in more ways than most of us care to think about. And the losses are much bigger than many of us even realize.
There are many reasons for the decline, including the immense use of pesticides in commercial growing, the hybridization of plants that typically would attract bees, deforestation, and many other human-created factors. The bee population is suffering, but so are human and animal food resources and the planet itself.
There are mixed reports on the exact numbers of bee losses, but it seems that about 40 to 45% is the national average in the past decade or less. This is a huge loss for many reasons, with some species now being placed on the endangered species list, pollination dropping drastically, and hives shrinking all over the world.
So, in the grand scheme of things, it may seem like a single bee garden can’t do much, but you’ll be happy to learn that you can make an impact in your own area with a small container or patio garden.
What is a Bee Garden?
Simply put, a bee garden is a garden designed specifically for bees and other pollinators. They are crafted carefully with the right kinds of plants and provisions that help bees thrive, like a water source and sheltering and nesting grounds. To learn more, please read the main article on the topic.
What is Pollination?
According to the USDA, pollination is: “the act of transferring pollen grains from the male anther of a flower to the female stigma.” That is, plants may be either male or female and the pollen of the male needs to be brought to the female plant so that fruit will grow.
Plants, like other living things, create offspring. In most plants, the offspring is created through the seeds that are found in the fruit of the plants. This is the perpetuation of the species that all species need. We like to eat the fruit and often toss the seeds or plant them, but in the wild, the fruit may be carried off by birds or animals or eaten beneath the plant. The seeds are then dropped or carried off, as well, and may or may not be eaten. And thus, the circle of life, as Disney told us, continues.
There are self-pollinating plants that fertilize themselves and produce fruits. But for those fruits to be produced in other species, cross-pollination needs to occur (that is, pollination from plant to plant). And this is where bees and other pollinators come in. And how bee gardens help bees.
How Do Bees Benefit the Planet?
Bees benefit the environment in many different ways.
They Pollinate Much of the World’s Food Supply
As mentioned above, some plants require cross-pollination. In many cases, those plants are the plants we eat. A huge number of fruits and vegetables that require pollination – like kiwi, apples, pears, and cherries – produce more when they are pollinated by bees.
Bees pollinate approximately one-third of the planet’s food supply.
They Pollinate Other Crops
Additionally, bees and others pollinate the plants that create about half of the world’s fibers, oils, and raw materials, as well as herbs and medicinal plants.
They also help to provide the needed food for wildlife and farm animals and even help prevent soil erosion through their pollination.
They Help Plants Create Oxygen
Most of us already know that without plants, the Earth wouldn’t have enough good, clean oxygen for humans and mammals to breathe.
How Do Bee Gardens Help Bees?
Bee gardens provide a number of things that help protect bees.
Shelter
When bee gardens are properly designed, bee gardens help bees by providing them with shelter. This means temporary housing (often called bee hotels) and permanent nesting grounds. This is provided through various preparations that are easy for gardeners to do.
These sheltering spaces also provide bees areas that are safe for reproduction and rest, critical things for all living species.
Food
Bees use the pollen and nectar from plants to create royal jelly, the foods that they eat at various stages of life. When bee gardens are properly cared for and planted with the right plants, they provide local bees with loads of pollen and nectar that they often cannot find elsewhere.
Water
When properly outfitted, bee gardens also provide bees with much-needed clean, fresh water sources that are sheltered and safe. These are shallow pools of water, often with rocks and expanded clay in them, creating landing spots for bees to rest on while they drink.
How Do Bee Gardens Benefit the Planet?
The many reasons mentioned above – and others – have depleted the bee population of the planet. But in order for humans, animals, plants, and other creatures to survive, we all need bees and other pollinators. Honeybees, specifically, pollinate around one-third of all crops on the planet, and this doesn’t count the impact of other bee species around the world.
And because bees are at such high risk, we need more safe spaces for bees where they may find shelter, food, and water. This means bee gardens impact both the local environment and the entire planet, in small portions.
Are There Any Benefits for Bee Garden Keepers?
Bee garden keepers receive many benefits, as well, from keeping bee gardens.
- Bee gardens are some of the most fruitful small garden spaces, thanks to the cross-pollination of the plants.
- Bee gardens are healthy and colorful, vibrant places where gardeners may rest, relax, and enjoy the natural beauty of the world in a tiny, local corner of it.
- Experts have conducted studies which show that keeping a garden can also help the mental health of gardeners. This isn’t necessarily specific to bee gardens, but the added bonus of the bright, vibrant, and fragrant flowers within the gardens absolutely bumps up the “wow” factor for the brain.
- Knowing you’ve helped to make an impact on the local ecosystem can also be a great benefit. When we are able to help natural beings like bees and plants thrive, we naturally feel better. Knowing that we impact an area overall also benefits the mental well-being of an individual.
- Depending on your commitment level and the equipment you spring for, you could possibly even enjoy some fresh made honey.
Can One Bee Garden Really Make a Difference?
You might be wondering if your small garden could really make a difference for bees. The answer is yes! Studies conducted by universities have shown that small gardens, particularly those in urban areas, can actually dramatically impact the well-being of pollinator species around the world.
That means your little balcony bee garden or patio container pollinator garden could help to change the world in a positive way.
The photo featured at the top of this post is © David James Chatterton/Shutterstock.com
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