What’s the Buzz about August 19th?

August 19th is World Honey Bee Day! It is a day set aside to bring awareness to the importance of bees and what they need to survive. We often don’t think about it, but we can thank bees for many of our daily activities and indulgences, and we aren’t just talking about adding honey to your morning tea! The honey bee population has been in decline for several years, and August 19th is designed to remind everyone just how important honey bees are, and what we can do to ensure their health and success. 

Why are Honey Bees so Important?

To put it simply, honey bees are vital to our entire ecosystem. We rely on bees for much more than just honey. If bees were to become extinct, over 100,000 species of plants would go extinct with them. This includes many of your favorite foods such as almonds, blueberries, pumpkin, apples, squash, melons, broccoli, and so much more. Honeybees are the most common pollinator in the world. They are responsible for pollinating 75% of the world’s flowering plants and 35% of the world’s crops. Every meal you enjoy has some type of contribution from the honey bee. 

How Can I Help?

Flowers play a vital role in the survival of bees. Much of the decline is due to habitat loss, harmful chemicals, and invasive plant species. Helping honey bees continue to thrive can be as simple as planting a bee-friendly garden. Bees need a safe habitat, and with human and industrial expansion, these habits are becoming harder to come by. Bees need a place to build their homes that offer the nutritional food sources they need. You can create a safe space for bees by planting pollen and nectar-rich flowers that offer a range of sizes, colors, and bloom times. Any size garden, even a simple window box, can provide a habitat for the honey bees in your area. If possible, try to add native flowers to your garden as much as possible. Many species of bees have evolved to feed exclusively on native plants to survive. 

When planting and caring for your garden, skip the pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals can be detrimental to the bee's sensitive system. Plants and flowers can thrive in a chemical-free environment, and this practice helps to support ongoing, natural sustainability. If a pesticide is necessary, opt for organic options, and avoid using it when flowers are in bloom or directly on the soil. 

Raise Awareness on August 19th

The honey bees need our help. August 19th serves as a day to advocate and remind the world that we truly do need bees. They are a vital part of our ecosystem, and without them, we stand to lose so much. Helping the honey bee can be as simple as planting flowers in your garden that promote a healthy habitat for the bee. At Flower Works, we can help you select the perfect flowers for your garden. Contact us to learn more about the honey bee, and show your support this August by raising awareness.