A bee gathers pollen from a sunflower in the Agrihood housing community urban farm on Sept. 20, 2023, in Santa Clara, Calif.
Of the world’s 20,000 bee species, some 4,000 are native to the U.S. These unsung heroes of pollination play a pivotal role in maintaining the delicate balance of nature. Evolving alongside native flora, they have developed specialized skills in pollinating particular plant species, making invaluable contributions to the richness of local ecosystems.
Bees — from the diminutive Perdita minima, the world’s smallest bee at less than 2 millimeters long, to the oil-collecting Macropis ciliata, who looks more like a bat than a bee — are as diverse as the plants they pollinate. Yet despite bees’ versatility and adaptability, human-caused crises, including rising global temperatures, habitat destruction and rampant pesticide use, threaten their very existence. Many species are on the brink of extinction.
In addition to planting for pollinators, it’s good to incorporate other elements into your garden, including water features, sheltering nooks and nesting sites to create a welcoming environment.