What are you doing? Waiting for the "Save the Bee" Fairy or Something?
If you’re interested in gardening or green issues in general, you are probably aware by now that the honey bee population is in trouble, which because they pollinate so much of our food production could have disastrous consequences for us all.
Although not given as much publicity, (possibly because people’s livelihoods are not at stake?) Bumblebees and solitary bees are also having their problems. Honeybees all over the world are in trouble. Commercial producers are suffering terrible losses, as high percentages of their bees succumb to a mysterious disease, or simply disappear.
Because so many fruits, nuts, and other crops rely on pollination by bees, this could be a serious problem for us all. Sadly, most people are not aware that the humble bumblebee, and other solitary bees that visit and pollinate the flowers and vegetables in our Backyards and Gardens, are also having their problems. I f you ask people about bumblebees you will find that one of the main reasons for this, is simply that most gardeners are not even aware of the habits of these tireless pollinators, that do so much good, for our garden’s fruit and flowers.
Not many people realise that Bumble bees like to make their nests in holes in the ground, sometimes making use of old mouse nests. In fact a Bumblebee’s idea of a “des res” is to find an old mousehole with the bedding still in it. Yes, Beatrix Potter was not making this up! They tend seek out grassy clumps that have nectar and pollen giving flowers nearby, which are usually your flower beds.
This they collect and take back to the nest to feed their young. Unfortunately, some modern gardening trends are causing them problems. The first of these is the widespread use of mulching. This actually is the best way to feed the soil, as it encourages earthworms and suppresses weeds. In the normal set of circumstances, the young female queens will overwinter in the nest, snugly underground.
In the spring, they emerge to find new nest sites, and start the cycle over again. Unfortunately, because of the indiscriminate use of mulching on all the borders and just not where it is needed, these poor creatures find that they have been buried alive. The next problem they face if they do get out, is the use of weed suppressing material that people are encouraged to use to save labour and time. This has some great uses, especially for laying under paths for example. unfortunately, the problems with the bumblebee arises, when it is used indiscriminately in the flower bed. The bumblebee finds a nice site for its nest, burrows a few inches into the soil and comes across the barrier. With single minded determination it continues to dig around, not wishing to give up the perfect site for its nest. Eventually the poor creature wears itself out and collapses from exhaustion.
All this pointless suffering can be avoided by the gardener, been a bit more aware and making sure that there are suitable sites left towards the back of the border that the bumblebees can use. A successful garden should not just be of benefit to us, but also to the myriad of other creatures that call it home. 
The real problem is that we need to be more aware of our tiny neighbours, how they live and how we can help them. Bumblebees and other solitary bees are in serious decline, but by just providing places for them to nest and planting some old traditional flowers that will give them pollen and nectar, we can make this problem go away.
So stop waiting, you are the “Save the Bee" Fairy!
I know that sometimes problems can seem so big that they are overpowering but there is something practical you can do!
On the right you will find a series of articles I have written, outlining a game plan that will help the bees.
By simply planting some herbs and wild flowers, you can help turn the tide. It does not matter how much space you have. You do not need a big garden. You can do this in containers & planters, so even a patio or window box will do.
Together we can make a difference and help save the bees and ourselves!
best wishes
Greenjackdavey