Bees play a crucial role in our ecological system. Without bees, the pollination of many plants that we need for our food would not be possible. Local beekeeper Christophe emphasizes the importance of bees and shares practical tips to transform your garden and terrace into a bee-friendly place.

Up to 80% of our fruit and vegetables are thanks to bees

Bees are essential to our ecosystem. Without them, we would miss 70 to 80% of our fruit and vegetables. They ensure the flowering of plants through pollination. Fortunately, it is easy to transform your garden or terrace into a bee paradise. Beekeeper Christophe shares 5 practical tips with us:

Tip 1: place a bee hotel

A simple way to help wild bees is to place a bee hotel. This is an artificial nesting place where wild bees can shelter, hibernate and raise their young.

When placing a bee hotel, it is important to place the hotel on the southern side of the garden and certainly not on the rainy side.

Extra tip: you can make a bee hotel yourself or buy one in a garden shop or online.

Tip 2: Do not prune plants in bloom

A simple way to help bees is to wait until the flowers have finished blooming before pruning. When you prune a plant that is in bloom, you are removing the source of food for bees.

In addition, there are bees that specifically visit one type of flower. If you prune this flower, you remove the only food source for these bees.

Tip 3: provide a varied range of plants and trees

A simple way to help bees is to provide a variety of plants and trees in your garden. Bees need food all year round. By choosing plants and trees that flower at different times of the year, you ensure that there is always a flower or tree somewhere in your garden for the bees.

Tip 4: sow a flower meadow

Are you looking for a way to transform your garden into a bee paradise? Then a flower meadow is a perfect option! Flower meadows provide nectar and pollen for bees, which is essential for their survival. They are also a beautiful addition to any garden.

The best time to sow flowers is in spring, March-April, or in autumn, just before frost, October-November.

There are two main types of flower meadows:

• Field Meadow: This is an annual meadow with flowers that bloom very quickly. Field meadows are a budget-friendly option, but they do require more maintenance. After a few years, weeds will grow between the flowers, which means you will have to reseed every year.
• Perennial flower meadow or biennial flower meadow: This meadow contains flowers that live longer, so you don't have to sow as often. Perennial flower meadows are more expensive than field meadows, but they give your garden color and scent for a longer period.

In addition, it is best to avoid supermarket seeds. These flowers are often exotic and not good for bees. Go to a specialty seed store where they can advise you on the best flowers for your garden and the needs of the bees in your area.

Tip 5: let your garden grow wild

The 'don't mow in May' campaign is a good initiative to help wild flowers and bees. By letting your grass grow for a month, you create a valuable food source for these important insects.

But many people mow their garden all at once as soon as June starts, because the 'Don't Mow in May' campaign is officially over. This means that the bees lose their most important food source in one fell swoop.

A better solution is to mow in phases. For example, mow one half of your garden and let the other half grow wild. That way there is always a part in bloom where the bees can go.

Beekeeper Christophe speaks for the day of biodiversity:

By taking small steps, we can make a big difference for the bees!

With a little planning and effort, you can turn your garden or patio into a paradise for bees, while enjoying a beautiful, natural environment.