How to help bees in the Autumn

As autumn approaches bumblebee nests die off and the newly mated queens find a place to hibernate until Spring but there are still plenty of things you can do to help the bees that are  foraging  in September and October. Late flying species like carder bees forage into the autumn as do honeybees which will come out of the hive in warm spells. Other species are looking for a place to hibernate at this time of year so leaving a wild patch of long grass or creating a log pile is especially beneficial for bees looking for a place to nest over winter.

Bumblebees will make a nest in old walls, an empty mouse hole, a pile of logs or a  patch of long grass. Creating a habitat for them is simple but hugely important. As 97% of UK wIldflower meadows have disappeared since the 1930’s habitat loss is one of a number of factors driving bee population decline and yet it is one we can easily help with. Having had a colony of buff tailed bumblebees nesting in our garden wall this year I am happy to tell you that we all managed to peacefully co-exist, the bees came and went about their business, filling our garden with their gentle humming presence and no-one got stung.

Our local bees are still enjoying late flowering lavender and marjoram at our allotment as well as nasturtiums, hollyhocks, borage and viper’s bugloss. 

Other bee friendly plants that flower into Autumn include asters, cornflowers, buddleia, globe thistles, heather, dahlias and ivy.

Autumn is also the perfect time to plant spring bulbs for  an abundant supply of early nectar for Queen bees emerging from hibernation in Spring. Good bee friendly choices include crocuses, alliums, grape hyacinth, snake's head fritillaria and of course, snowdrops.

For a video guide from gardener’s world on planting a bee friendly pot of spring bulbs click here

And for planting ideas throughout the season click here