"Plant a variety of native species.
Keep it local by filling your yard with plants native to your region, meaning they grow and exist there naturally and were not transplanted by people. This is crucial to bees because they specialize in the pollen their respective native plants provide, ensuring they and their young have enough to survive. Bees dependent on a certain kind of pollen can’t acquire it from non-native plants, so planting native species will bolster native bee communities. You can consult your local garden center or your state’s Native Plant Society. Make sure to have a diverse selection not overcrowded by a few particular species to attract a variety of pollinators.
Plant flowers that bloom at different times of year.
Bees love flowers, especially those with purple, yellow, blue, white and violet colors. However, don’t just plant based on color. It’s also vital to select species with different bloom times so bees always have flowers to visit. Consider a combination of annuals and perennials to get a variety of bloom times. Some of the best annuals and perennials to use include marigold and sunflower, and aster and coneflower, respectively."
Source: Steve Blackledge, Conall Rubin-Thomas, January 25, 2023
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