Bees play a vital role in our environment. As pollinators, they are responsible for much of the food we eat and the vibrant flowers we enjoy. While May 20 is officially World Bee Day, every day is a good day to support your local bee population. With bee populations declining due to habitat loss and chemical use, homeowners have an opportunity to make a real difference. Creating a bee-friendly yard not only supports the environment but also adds natural beauty, fragrance, and joy to your outdoor space.

At By the Yard, we believe in nurturing lasting connections with nature through sustainable outdoor furniture and eco-friendly living. If you are looking for ways to make your backyard more welcoming to bees, here are three easy and beautiful tips to get started.

1. Plant Native Flowers That Attract Bees

Choosing the right plants can turn your yard into a pollinator paradise. Native flowers are the best option because they have evolved to thrive in your region and support the insects that live there. Unlike many hybrid plants that produce little nectar or pollen, native plants are full of the food bees need. They also resist pests and diseases, which means you can skip chemical treatments.

Bees love blue and yellow blooms, as well as flowers that are spiky or tubular. Popular choices include bee balm, black-eyed Susans, coneflowers, and goldenrod. Cluster your flowers together and plant a mix that blooms throughout the growing season. For help choosing plants that are right for your region, use the plant guide from the Xerces Society.

2. Add a Safe Water Source for Bees

Bees need water to stay hydrated and regulate their hives. You can help by placing a shallow water source in your yard. A bee bath is easy to make using a stone dish, clay saucer, or shallow birdbath. Fill it with fresh water and add pebbles, marbles, or flower heads so bees have a place to perch.

You can also place water-filled dishes on potting shelves, outdoor tables, or along walkways near flower beds. If you have a pond or water feature, add flat rocks or floating platforms where bees can rest safely. Consider using a solar-powered fountain to keep the water fresh and discourage mosquitoes.

3. Build or Install Bee Houses

Not all bees live in hives. Many species, including mason bees and bumblebees, nest in the ground or inside small crevices. You can support these important pollinators by providing safe places for them to live. A bee house is a simple structure made of wood or bamboo that gives solitary bees a place to lay eggs and rest.

Mount bee houses on a garden fence, arbor, or shepherd’s hook in a sunny spot with some wind protection. To blend it into your garden design, surround it with flowering vines like clematis or honeysuckle. You can also leave bundles of dried plant stems tied with twine near a shed or garage to provide shelter for ground-nesting bees.

Design an Eco-Friendly Yard with By the Yard

Creating a bee-friendly yard is one of the best ways to make your outdoor space more sustainable and enjoyable. At By the Yard, we design outdoor furniture, planters, and accessories that support your eco-friendly lifestyle. Made from recycled plastic and built to last for decades, our furniture helps you enjoy time outside while reducing your environmental impact.

Our weatherproof planters make it easy to grow pollinator-friendly flowers across your deck, patio, or garden. And our comfortable furniture makes your yard a place you and your guests will love to spend time. With bees visiting your garden and flowers in bloom, you will be creating a peaceful space that is good for your family and the planet.

Shop Sustainable Outdoor Furniture Today

Request your free By the Yard catalog or browse our collection online at www.bytheyard.net. Need help choosing the right pieces for your space? Call us at 877-220-0448. We are here to help you enjoy life outdoors in a more sustainable and beautiful way.