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March 13 Field Trip to Eden of Wings has been cancelled.
Spring Luncheon – April 15th
Annual Spring Pine Straw Sale
Visit~Club News
Read about taking care of your garden after this winter’s freezes, and see the slides from Meryl Rachlin’s presentation on Raising Monarch Butterflies.
Visit~Club Meetings
Club meetings are held on the third Wednesday of the month, September to April, featuring an invited speaker. Speakers for the 2025-2026 meetings are listed on the Club Meeting page.
Visit~Field Trip Page
Group outings are planned September through April. Our March trip to Eden of WIngs is canclled – the 2026 freeze has taken a toll on the gardend. Visit our Field Trip page for more information and to sign up for upcoming trips.
GARDENING FOR BEES
Florida is home to more than 300 species of native, wild bees, making it one of the most diverse states for pollinators. While honey bees are widely recognized for producing honey, both native bees and honey bees play a critical role in pollination. In fact, bees are responsible for pollinating nearly one-third of the food we eat, including fruits, vegetables, nuts, and seeds. As natural habitats shrink, home gardens have become increasingly important refuges for these essential pollinators.
Creating a bee-friendly garden is easier than you might think and can be done in landscapes of any size — from large yards to small patios and balconies. With thoughtful plant selection and simple design choices, gardeners can make a meaningful difference in supporting bee populations.
Major Components of a Successful Bee Garden
A successful bee garden provides four essentials: food, shelter, water, and safety. Continuous Bloom Bees need a steady food supply throughout the year. Aim to have at least three plants flowering at any given time, using a mix of plants that bloom in different seasons. Early spring flowers are especially important, as they help bees emerging from winter build strength.
Shelter Variety
Many native bees nest in the ground, hollow plant stems, or decaying wood. Leave some areas of bare soil, fallen leaves, or dried stems in your garden. Bee houses can also provide nesting opportunities, especially in more manicured landscapes.
Water Source
Bees need water to survive, particularly during hot Florida summers. Provide a shallow water source such as a birdbath filled with stones or marbles so bees can land safely while drinking.
Pesticide-Free Zone
Avoid using chemical pesticides and herbicides. These products can harm or kill bees, even when used sparingly. A healthy garden ecosystem relies on beneficial insects and natural balance rather than chemicals.
Healthy Plants, Healthy Bees
Strong, well-cared for plants produce more nectar and pollen. Proper watering, soil health, and pruning help ensure plants can provide the nutrition bees depend on.
Choosing Plants for Your Bee Garden
Plant selection plays a key role in attracting and sustaining bees.
Composite Flowers
Flowers such as coneflowers, sunflowers, and blanket flower have large, open centers that make it easy for bees to collect pollen and nectar.
Clustered Flowers
Plants with clustered blooms—like lantana, milkweed, and pentas—allow bees to feed efficiently, conserving energy as they move from flower to flower.
Woody Ornamentals and Trees
Trees and shrubs, including red maple, yaupon holly, and beautyberry, are vital food sources, particularly in early spring when few other plants are blooming.
Native Plants
Native plants are especially beneficial because local bees have evolved alongside them. They require less maintenance, are more resistant to pests, and provide ideal nutrition for native pollinators.
Container Plantings
Even gardeners with limited space can support bees. Containers filled with flowering plants can provide valuable nectar sources on patios, balconies, and entryways.
Visit Deerwoods Park, to see the many varieties of flowers that attract both bees and butterflies. The park was thoughtfully planted with pollinator-friendly plants to specifically support bees, butterflies, and other beneficial pollinators throughout the year. These plantings provide continuous blooms, diverse nectar sources, and habitat that helpsustain local pollinator populations while offering visitors a beautiful and educational garden space to enjoy.