Presented by Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate – Dupont & Lacey Office
Published: May 20

Each year, World Bee Day reminds us of the vital role bees play in our ecosystem—and how much they need our help. These small pollinators are responsible for nearly 75% of the crops we rely on for food, yet their populations are in decline due to habitat loss and environmental stressors.

As a homeowner, you have a unique opportunity to make a real impact—right in your own yard.

Why It Matters

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate – Dupont & Lacey, we believe in caring for our communities, inside and out. That includes helping protect the natural pollinators that support local gardens, farms, and landscapes. Bee-friendly yards are not only good for the environment—they also boost your home's curb appeal and contribute to a healthier neighborhood.

Best Plants to Attract and Support Bees

Transform your outdoor space into a pollinator paradise with these top bee-loving plants:

🌼Perennials:

• Lavender

• Coneflower (Echinacea)

• Bee Balm

• Salvia

• Black-eyed Susan

🌻Annuals:

• Zinnias

• Cosmos

• Sunflowers

• Marigolds

🌿Herbs:

• Thyme

• Oregano

• Mint

• Basil

• Chives

Plant in clusters for greater impact, and try to include varieties that bloom across spring, summer, and fall.

Bee-Friendly Gardening Tips

• Ditch the pesticides: Even “natural” insecticides can be harmful to bees. Go chemical-free when possible.

• Let it grow wild: Allow a small patch of your yard to stay a bit wild—bees love it!

• Plant in clumps: Bees are more likely to visit large groupings of flowers rather than isolated plants.

• Add a water source: A shallow dish with pebbles and water gives bees a place to hydrate.

Where to Get Free Bee-Friendly Seed Packs

Want to start planting but don’t know where to begin? Here are a few trusted programs that offer free seeds to help you support pollinators:

• The Bee Conservancy – Apply for their Bee Sanctuary kit or join local events: thebeeconservancy.org

• Pollinator Partnership – Offers regional planting guides and participates in free seed giveaways: pollinator.org

• Save Our Monarchs – Offers free milkweed and wildflower seed packs: saveourmonarchs.org

• Grow It Wild (Canada-based, but worth a look!) – growitwild.ca

Let's Keep Growing—Together

At Berkshire Hathaway HomeServices Northwest Real Estate – Dupont & Lacey, we’re proud to support homeowners who are making a difference in their communities, one yard at a time. Whether you're planting a pollinator garden or planting roots in a new home, we’re here to guide you every step of the way. To search for your (and the bees) dream home, reach out today by clicking here. 

Happy World Bee Day!