Spring is here! Summer is my favorite season, but spring is a close second. Why? It’s planting season. I converted the patio area behind my home into garden spots for herbs and flowers several years ago. I thought I knew all about flowers and herbs, but I was wrong. What a learning experience. Just because something can grow in our zone doesn’t mean our soil or weird weather conditions will support it. But that’s a subject for another day. Today, we’re going to make an easy Bee and Butterfly Water Station for Your Garden.
How to Make a Bee and Butterfly Waterer
When I began my garden, I noticed we didn’t have many bees or butterflies. Usually, I’m an expert at finding bees. I like to go barefoot and they are drawn to my feet. I can’t tell you how many I’ve accidentally stepped on over the years.
3 Things You Need in Your Garden to Attract Pollinators
I began to research the decline of bees and discovered the honeybee is an endangered species. An estimated 1/3 of our food is dependent on bee pollination. One of those foods is chocolate. I read this and knew I had to do my part to keep the bees alive! I need my chocolate.
An easy way to draw bees and butterflies to any area is by planting native flowers and plants. I’ve since started a pollinator garden that attracts all sorts of beneficial insects. One thing I learned during my research was pollinators need three elements to be attracted to a yard; plants they are attracted to, water, and shelter.
Why Bee Watering Stations Are Important
I had the plants and the shelter, but no water. Sure, I have a fountain and a pond, but those aren’t sources bees and butterflies can use. They need a shallow container and somewhere to stand before they can drink. With that in mind, I decided to make a Bee and Butterfly Watering Station.
These water stations are so easy to make and can be designed to fit any garden design. I used a base I found at Walmart and a plate I had at home. You can also find a lot of the materials at the thrift store, the dollar store, or, if you’re reducing clutter, inside your home.
What You Need To Make A Bee And Butterfly Waterer
- A base- This can be anything. Use a flower pot, a pot bottom, whatever. I purchased a small decorative ceramic planter from Lowe’s for mine. The most important consideration is to be sure the base is raised at least an inch off the ground.
- A plate, saucer, or shallow bowl. I used an old plate.
- Something for the bees and butterflies to stand on- Note: They cannot drink by standing directly in the water. Marbles, Small Shells, Decorative Glass Stones from the dollar store or Corks are all good choices. I used a few shells that my granddaughter had brought me as a present.
- Super Glue or Ceramic Craft Glue-Just make sure the glue is designed for the surfaces you are using.
How to Make the Bee Watering Station:
- If you are using a ceramic planter as I did, turn the planter upside down. Spread glue evenly across the exposed side of the planter.
- Spread another coat of glue across the bottom of the plate. Attach the plate to the planter.
- Place a small amount of glue on the bottom of whatever material you are using as stepping stones. Attach the objects, one at a time, in whatever pattern you desire.
- Allow the glue to dry completely on all pieces. Follow the glue manufacturer’s directions on how long to allow the glue to dry before using.
Tips on How To Use the Watering Station in the Garden to Attract Pollinators:
- Place the watering station near plants the bees and butterflies frequent.
- Add a small amount of water to the bee watering station.
- Be sure that the water only covers half of the standing materials.
- Don’t allow the stepping materials to be completely covered or the bees and butterflies can’t use the watering station.
- Be sure to change the water often. It is recommended the water be changed daily.
I think my decorative bee watering station turned out to be an adorable addition to my garden. I plan to make an additional two or three to add to different sections of the garden.
This bee watering station costs less than $6 to make since I purchased a pot. However, it’s easy to make a lower-cost bee watering station. All that’s needed is a small plastic flower liner with no holes in the bottom, (find them at the dollar store) and some cork leftover from wine bottles.
Do you have a garden? What are your best tips for attracting pollinators to your garden?
This is such a great idea! I have never though to make a bee watering station before!
Love this cute idea! Every year, I try to attract more bees into my garden They usually love lavender.
This is such a cool idea! We do have a small garden but we still need to grow lots of flowers.
Great idea. I kind of did this type of thing for a bird bath. Bees need water too!!
Thanks for showing us this, I might make one like this since I have some of the materials already. I love honey and don’t want bees to be totally gone extinct.
This is a great idea – I think I’ll make some of these with the kids over spring break and add them to our pollinator garden. We always water our tomatoes early in the morning and then sit out on the deck and watch the bumblebees stop by for a drink (a rather well deserved one after they were so busy pollinating our plants!). This will be a really fun craft and a chance to remind the kids of the importance of pollinators!
What a genius idea is this! I would like to have a bee watering station in my garden.
I don’t have a garden but my sister does and I am sure she would love to know this and do this on her garden. Nice idea!
I have made a bee water station too! The bees love it. I have to keep it filled in the summer when it is hot.
Very cool! I don’t think I’ve ever heard of anything like this. Looks like something I could make!
OK this is such a great idea! I wouldn’t have thought of making something like this but bees do need all the help we can give them these days.
That bee watering station is crazy cute. Love the materials you used for it. I had no clue these were necessary for bees at all. How useful and educational. While I agree that I could make one that is cheaper with plastic materials I love your ceramic plates. Thanks for the great idea. .
Bees are so vital to life as we know it on this planet and not enough people seem to understand this! I am so glad you do and that you are helping others support the bees in their local areas!
I never realized bees drink. Your station is so cute and a great looking piece in your garden.
This is such a clever idea. It would be perfect for my garden this year. I have to make sure to create a water changing schedule with it though.
I need to do this. We want to be sure the bees are safe and thriving. We don’t have a garden though. But my daughter wants one!
I plant certain flowers that attract butterflies but I’ve never thought about making a water station for bees. I need to do this ASAP to do my part in helping save the bees.
This is such a cute idea. I don’t have a garden because I live in an apartment, but I do have container plants. I could make one small enough to fit in one of my larger pots. I love to attract bees to help me pollinate my plants.
This bee watering garden would make a pretty addition to our garden. Always wanting to help out the bee population.