How to Xeriscape for Bees in California

In Southern California, many have turned to dry scaping, also known as Xeriscaping. This style of landscaping includes drought-resistant plants and nectar-rich flowers that provide water and nectar sources for bees. This landscaping style also leaves bare ground open for ground-nesting bees, which are the most common bees in the area. Using native plants and those that do not require abundant water and can take lots of sunshine is easier than most people realize.

A drought-tolerant landscape does not have to be boring and brown. Instead, it can be a thriving, beautiful area that is pleasant to look at and attracts beneficial bugs and pollinators.

How to Choose Bee-Friendly Plants in Xeriscaping

Sticking with native plant choices is always best. There are durable perennial blooming plants that allow bees to forage throughout the year. In Southern California, we enjoy warm weather most of the year, and our bees rarely hibernate or hide out in the warmer regions. Some plants that work well in our climate include rosemary, lavender, sage, and Coyote Bush. These choices not only benefit bees in your area but also serve as an excellent alternative to store-bought herbs, available whenever you want!

Helping Ground Nesting Bees

People are fascinated by beehives, swarms, and the lives and products of honeybees that live above ground and are there for us to observe. However, most bees are ground-nesting, which is why dry scaping is so beneficial for them. More than 70% of bee species in California are ground-nesting. They live solitary lives but do require bare ground and unmulched areas. Sandy soil is ideal for ground bee nesting, and they are a critical part of the pollinator community.

When bee removal companies are contacted about bee removals, it is rarely about ground-nesting bees, but they can also be safely and humanely removed if they pose a threat to people or pets. D-Tek Live Bee Removal has years of experience and professionally and humanely removes bees, finds them a new home, and does any repair work necessary from the removal.

Minimize Mulching

Californians love their mulch. It comes in different colors and is often on sale at home improvement stores. However, over-mulching is not beneficial for bees because it creates a thick layer above the ground, making it difficult for ground-nesting bees to nest. They love little piles of sand! If you must mulch, try using your own organic matter in the fall or spring, which leaves nutrients in the mulch and is often applied much lighter.

Bees Need Water Even If Your Plants Don’t

One reason Californians have leaned into xeriscaping is the lack of water and the expense of maintaining a lush, green lawn. Xeriscaping is a great way to minimize water use while maintaining a native, beautiful landscape. However, just because your plants don’t need water, the bees still do!

Creating water stations on your property, in your garden, or anywhere in bees’ paths is critical to their survival. Bees can’t swim, and they can’t forage in the rain, but they need it to survive. In dry summer months, bees will need help from residents to have access to water stations. Pie pans, shallow containers, and birdbaths can be an easy way to ensure bees have water when the landscape doesn’t require daily watering. Always add a piece of sponge, a flat rock, or some twigs so bees can perch while they drink – otherwise, they may end up in your pool!

If you want to speak with a seasoned and reputable beekeeper in the area, contact D-Tek.

Plant Native, Seasonal, and in Clusters

Some of the best pieces of advice for those wanting to upscale their xeriscaping to be more bee-friendly are to plant native plants, choose a diverse range of drought-resistant plants, and plant in groups. Bees are more efficient when they can collect and forage from the same plants in clusters. Bees in Southern California don’t experience the extremely cold winters as much as the rest of the nation. However, planting a variety of plant species is ideal if they bloom at different times of the year. It does not take much to figure out how to make your outdoor area bee-friendly year-round. Bees need a continual food supply, so many options keep them happy and thriving from spring to fall!