Herb Gardens for Bees: Avena Botanicals
(Page 2 of 4)
June/July 2009
By Jean English
Benefiting Pollinators and Gardeners
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Everyone agrees that herbs do provide pollen, nectar, shelter—and perhaps more—for bees and other pollinators. To support these key links in the ecosystem over a long season, Deb suggests growing the following herbs, in particular.
(Note: Some, but not all, of these herbs can be used by home growers to make healing teas or other preparations. If a medicinal use is not suggested, look for this herb in its commercially prepared form.)
Anise hyssop (Agastache foeniculum). This perennial flowers in midsummer, attracting bees and other pollinators. Makes a good tea for the digestive system.
Bee balm (Monarda spp.). Deb grows ‘Raspberry Wine’ bee balm for pollinators in early to midsummer, and dries the species M. fistulosa and M. didyma for tummy-soothing winter teas.
Black cohosh (Cimicifuga racemosa). The tall, beautiful plants were so covered with bumblebees one August day that Deb could hardly see the white flowers. Commercial preparations are used to treat menopausal symptoms.
Borage (Borago officinalis). Easy to grow and reseeds readily; bees love its bright blue blooms throughout summer. Commercially prepared borage seed oil is used to treat skin conditions.
Catmint (Nepeta racemosa). Spikes of tiny purple flowers are loved by hummingbirds and honeybees in late spring. Its leaves make a tea that nourishes the nervous system.
European meadowsweet (Filipendula ulmaria). Its creamy-white flowers are “absolutely covered with a total frenzy of bees” in late July, Deb says. The leaves and flowers make a comforting tea; commercial preparations are used to treat colds, flu, and kidney and bladder problems.
Greek mullein (Verbascum olympicum). The tall flower stems attract bees, and the plant reseeds readily. Deb puts the flowers in olive oil to make earache drops. Mullein leaf tea is soothing to dry coughs and sore throats. To dry the leaves, first remove the large midrib. “Harvest and dry the younger leaves of the first-year plant, and let the second-year plant go to flower,” she says.
Purple coneflower (Echinacea purpurea). The flower provides pollen for many butterflies, honeybees and bumblebees. Commercial preparations are used to stimulate the immune system.
Other medicinal herbs that benefit honeybees include arnica, angelica, basil, calendula (especially ones with simple, bright orange blooms), catnip, dandelion, feverfew, lavender, lemon balm, marshmallow, motherwort, nasturtium, sage and Solomon’s seal.
Deb notes that pollinators seem to prefer hedges or clumps of plants—one reason for the three-dimensional, room-like design of her garden. Several varieties of creeping thyme form the “floor”—a large, central circle—with taller plants around it. Hedges, arbors, trellises and other “walls” frame the garden and protect it from wind.
“Hummingbirds, like honeybees, are very species-specific, so if your garden includes plant groupings, they won’t have to fly so far,” Deb says. (For specific plant choices, see “Hedge Your Hummingbird Bets,” opposite page.) To benefit all pollinators, plant in groups, plant a variety of species and avoid pesticides, she advises. “The more people think about planting for pollinators—whether in a large garden or simply a hanging pot of nasturtiums and fuchsia—the better. Every little bit really helps a lot.”