Gardeners looking to support bee populations can do so with a simple, affordable trick: adding bright colours. According to experts, bees are naturally drawn to blue, purple and yellow tones, which help them locate pollen-rich plants from a distance.
Mark Douglas, beekeeper and founder of Bee1, explains: “Colour is the first thing pollinators notice, and can spot it from a distance, so it helps attract them to a space, it’s then followed by the scent of flowers.” He recommends pairing colourful features with nectar-rich plants, water sources and undisturbed nesting spots.
Cuprinol Garden Shades, from £17.98, can be used on wood, terracotta, brick and stone. Shades like Cornflower, Pansy and Dazzling Yellow are particularly effective for refreshing pots, planters, fences or sheds to make gardens more inviting to bees.
Beyond colour, providing a shallow water source is crucial. A Bee and Butterfly Bath costs £24.99, or a simple bowl with pebbles works. The Royal Horticultural Society also advises mowing lawns less often to allow dandelions, daisies and clover to flower, offering a natural food source for pollinators.
