Did you know that one out of every three bites of food we eat depends on pollinators? Yep, that’s right—bees play a huge role in bringing us everything from fruits and veggies to nuts and even chocolate. But here’s the thing: bees are in trouble. Habitat loss, pesticides, and climate change are all taking a toll on them. That’s why World Bee Day (May 20th) is so important—it’s a reminder of just how crucial bees are to our food system and environment.
And the good news is, we can all do something to help! By planting bee-friendly flowers in our gardens, we can provide bees with the nectar and pollen they need to thrive. So, let’s give these buzzing beauties a reason to stick around with these 10 plants that are as good for your garden as they are for the bees.

Lavender

Not only does lavender smell like a dream and add a hint of Provence to your garden, but bees love it. Its vibrant purple flowers are like magnets for pollinators. Plus, it blooms for ages and is drought-tolerant—talk about low-maintenance beauty. Snip a few sprigs for homemade sachets or teas while the bees do their thing.
Coneflower (Echinacea)

Coneflowers are the low-key rockstars of the pollinator garden. With their bold, spiky centers and pink or purple petals, they’re a bee’s dream dinner plate. These hardy perennials bloom all summer long and don’t mind a bit of heat or drought. Bees flock to them, but so do butterflies and goldfinches once the seeds show up. Plant a patch and you’ll have a buzzing, fluttering front-row show for months.
Milkweed

Milkweed is a top-tier plant for bees, butterflies, and other pollinators. Its clusters of star-shaped pink, orange, or white flowers provide tons of nectar, making it a favorite of bees. Plus, it’s the only plant where monarch butterflies will lay their eggs, so it’s a must-have for anyone looking to create a pollinator paradise.
Bee Balm (Monarda)

With a name like bee balm, it’s no surprise this plant is a pollinator magnet. It’s funky, firework-like flowers come in pinks, reds, and purples and attract bees, butterflies, and even hummingbirds. It also smells amazing, like minty citrus. Grow it in a sunny patch and watch the magic happen.
Sunflowers

Sunflowers are the garden’s version of a warm hug—and bees can’t resist them. With their towering stalks and oversized blooms full of pollen, they serve up a feast for all kinds of pollinators. They’re super easy to grow from seed, especially in sunny spots, and kids love watching them shoot up like magic. Once the flowers fade, the seeds become a snack for birds, so they’re doing double-duty for wildlife.
Rosemary

Rosemary isn’t just a kitchen MVP—it’s also a total hit with the bees. When it blooms (often in late winter or early spring), it shows off delicate blue flowers that are packed with nectar. It’s an evergreen, so it keeps your garden looking lush year-round, and it’s super drought-tolerant once established. Plant it along walkways or near veggie beds to attract pollinators right where you need them.
Black-Eyed Susan

These cheerful golden blooms are sunshine on a stem. Bees, butterflies, and all kinds of beneficial bugs are drawn to them like magnets. They’re also drought-tolerant, low-maintenance, and look stunning in wildflower gardens. Perfect for that “accidentally perfect” cottage-core vibe.
Catmint (Nepeta)

Catmint is that effortlessly cool plant that both bees and humans adore. Its soft lavender-blue flowers bloom in waves all season long, and the gentle scent is a total vibe—think herbal spa meets wild meadow. Bees can’t stay away from its nectar-rich blooms, and neither can butterflies. It’s also deer-resistant, low-maintenance, and looks gorgeous spilling over borders or tucked between stepping stones.
Zinnias

Zinnias are like a burst of summer joy in flower form—bold, bright, and bee-approved. These cheerful blooms come in every color of the rainbow, and their open faces are perfect landing pads for busy bees. They’re super easy to grow from seed, even for newbie gardeners, and they bloom nonstop until the first frost. Bees love them, butterflies love them, you’ll love them—it’s a win all around.
Thyme

Tiny but mighty, thyme is the unsung hero of bee gardens everywhere. This fragrant herb produces clusters of delicate pink or purple flowers that bees adore. It makes a charming, low-growing ground cover that spills beautifully over edges and stones. Plant it in a sunny spot, and it’ll thrive with barely any fuss—plus, you’ll have fresh herbs on hand for cooking year-round. Whether you grow it in pots or between pavers, thyme keeps the bees coming and your garden smelling amazing.
They’re Smarter Than You Think — 15 Fun Donkey Facts for World Donkey Day

It’s time to give donkeys their moment in the spotlight! Often labeled as stubborn, slow, or even a bit goofy, these long-eared creatures deserve much more appreciation. In honor of World Donkey Day, we’re here to share some fun and surprising facts that’ll change the way you think about them. Whether your kids are fascinated by farm animals, quirky trivia, or just love a good laugh, these donkey tidbits will hit the mark. Let’s show these underrated stars some love with 15 fun donkey facts that’ll make you go, “Wait, really?” Ready to be charmed by donkeys? Let’s dive in!
Read the Full List Here
15 Beautiful Birds to Spot on World Migratory Bird Day

World Migratory Bird Day is like the championship game for bird enthusiasts—and trust me, it’s way more thrilling than it sounds. Whether you’re a veteran birdwatcher or just looking for an excuse to get outside (binoculars in hand, screens out of sight!), this day is all about celebrating the amazing journeys of migratory birds. Some of these feathered travelers rack up more miles than most of us do in years, and they’re flying right over us while they’re at it. So, grab your bird guide, pack a warm drink, and check out these 15 incredible migratory birds to look for across the U.S. this season!
Read the Full List Here
Tamara Tsaturyan is the owner and writer of Thriving In Parenting, a website focused on providing simple tips for busy parents — easy and healthy recipes, home decor and organization ideas and all things P A R E N T I N G.
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