Are Ponds Good for Bees?

In this video we look at the benefits of a wildlife pond for bees and how you can help them carry out their daily routines.
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To find out more about how you can help wildlife, what I do to help wildlife and to follow my work, please see the following accounts:
Wild Your Garden - "Create a sanctuary for nature" - My latest book on how you can help wildlife in your own garden and how to install all the habitats that your local wildlife will need to thrive. Complete how to's and step by step guides. Buy your copy through any reputable book shop or online here:
www.amazon.co.uk/Wild-Your-Ga...
Hazelwood Landscapes - Where you will find photographs and case studies of some of the projects I have undertaken over the last 15 years and how you can enquire if you would like any advice / help with your own garden:
www.hazelwoodlandscapes.com
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For consultations, talks, television enquiries, design workshops, landscaping enquiries, film making and book enquiries, please visit:
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Many thanks,
Joel Ashton
#Bees #Pond #WildlifePond #Garden #GardenWildlife #Wildlife #GardenIdeas #Landscaping #Nature #JoelAshton #WildlifeGarden

[@normajeane507]

You inspire me to pursue a career in natural sustainability (I've wanted to switch for years!) Thanks for being so awesome, Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Wow, that really makes a difference to my day knowing that someone has been inspired to "join us" in making more habitats and, in turn, making even more people aware of the benefits of working with nature in mind, rather than against it through lack of education :) Best of luck, let me know how you get on! Joel

[@markhunter2244]

Amazing footage of the honey bees.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Mark - it was brilliant to see and so soon after the pond was filled, so many creatures rely on these water bodies :) Best wishes, Joel

[@dogproofwildlifegardening3164]

My pond was only filled a day and I noticed bees and wasps doing the same. It really is amazing how much wildlife a pond attracts, even when it's still new. Great work Joel, that garden is looking fab 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you - working from home today catching up on drawings etc so will be able to have a proper look at your email and respond later :) You're absolutely right, seeing so many creatures using these sources is so rewarding isn't it :) Best wishes, Joel

[@gardeninside1367]

Wow, so lovely bees around the pond!🌼😊🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello! :) It does show how important water is to so many creatures, I know you think of all the needs with your flowers and I expect you have fantastic insects where you are :) Best wishes, Joel

[@gardeninside1367]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton i have a small water lily plant tub and i see some of the green flies stand on lily plant's leaves:-)🌼😍😘👍

[@tuscan440r]

That's great, our pond is 4 weeks old now and I've been fascinated by the bees and wasps coming down, I thought they were just having a drink so definitely learnt something there!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Fantastic to hear, they certainly make the most of the minerals and moisture - if you're looking for any pond plants then we're about to launch a vast array early next week now they've all stopped having a lie-in since the April weather was so much cooler than usual: www.wildyourgarden.com Best wishes to you - Joel

[@kathrynnorman2253]

I must say that you captured such beautiful footage of the bees :)

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Kathryn, I do consider myself lucky that I'm able to witness all kinds of benefits when installing these gardens and travelling the country - just glad that via KZbin I can share all this and encourage others :) Thanks for your continued support, it really does make a difference :) Best wishes, Joel

[@kathrynnorman2253]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton That's wonderful, it must be all about patience and persistence :)

[@tiagosnoddy738]

I love and I rescue them when I can

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

So good to hear - they need our help :) Best wishes, Joel

[@greycatblue]

With the lack of rain, our garden visitors are relying on us more and more 🐝🦋🐦😎

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely they do - the dry weather and high winds over the last few days have certainly caused a lot of evaporation in ponds, mine included - doesn't take much to fill up to the level again though - the pond plants have also taken a while to "wake up" due to the colder nights in April but good signs all round now :) Hope you're both well - best wishes, Joel

[@CalderTrains]

Good points. I've been very busy building a Pollinators Paradise border over the past month so I'm sorry for being off KZbin. I have ordered 15 packs of rare and odd perennial seeds ( Pollinator friendly of course)from Chiltern Seeds for it so hopefully a lovely border in summer 2022!

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's great to hear Edward - we now have a vast array of pollinator friendly plants, wildflowers etc on the website and pond plants to follow real soon - you can see the array here: wildyourgarden.com/ We're updating every day and are now sourcing everything in peat free soil and growing our own - over 3000 seeds sown in the last month too :)

[@CalderTrains]

Wow! Just a reminder, my name was once the Herefordshire Gardener but I cahnged it

[@NickSBailey]

Bees were the first visitors to our new pond and good to find out what they were doing.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thank you Nicholas, really appreciate your comment :) you may well spot some mining bees using the mud around the edge for their nests too, I think it took about 2 weeks until they found my new pond in the garden a few years ago, ponds are very rewarding and it's great to hear you have this vital habitat in your garden too - best wishes, Joel

[@lynnrushton7458]

Could watch them all day 😍🐝🐝🐝

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Me too! In fact, I nearly did ;) So good to see - hope you're doing well Lynn - best wishes, Joel

[@453421abcdefg12345]

Water! The essential part of all life, from Elephants to insects they all need water, and even a shallow tray put out in the garden attracts wildlife, I have just been watching a White Wagtail splashing around in a 12" plant pot saucer, it was really enjoying a splash , and the minerals released in mud are also an essential source! Stay safe! Chris B.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Absolutely they are, I expect you see groups of butterflies taking in the moist minerals where you are in summer, I saw a few when last in France (seems decades ago now!) - the starlings and blackbirds were jostling in the bird bath this weekend whilst the house sparrows were making the most of the edges of the pond, and the female blackbird who was taking shreds of older vegetation and has made a beautiful nest in the climbing rose next to the back door :) Best wishes as always, Joel

[@philmorris7964]

Thanks a million Joel

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're very welcome Phil - hope you're enjoying the channel :) Best wishes, Joel

[@george-1961]

That’s good to see ponds have their benefits for Bees and all the other pollinators as well. The bog garden is coming on nicely 😉

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hey George :) Do send some pics across of the bog garden when you get a chance - it definitely will be used by a whole host of insects - best wishes, Joel

[@george-1961]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton no bog garden yet Joel. Fallen behind work all because of health issues. But hopefully all being well will be ready to start the pond within the next month or so 🤞🏻

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@george-1961 So sorry to hear that George, really I am. I still have to get time to come and see you, so sorry it's taken a while but I've been stretched in all directions - not complaining about having work but just wish there were more hours in the day and more months in the year! ;) Stay safe, wishing you well soon - Joel

[@george-1961]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton from previous experience I know what you’re going through with trying to fit all in because of not enough hours in the day. As I’ve said before it’s not easy with work and a young family, so no need to apologise. I’m sure there’d be time to hopefully catch up. Thank you for the kind words. I’m back to speed with health so all’s good. Take care and god bless 😊

[@Craig_Humphries]

Would love to see an update on that pond. Looks great

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You're in luck Craig :) We have completed this garden now, the pond is taking a little longer to clear than normal due to oxygenating plants activity not being on time this year, they're all at least 6 weeks behind and supply has been dire. However, I have done an update with all the plants, it's just finding the time to upload the whole garden before and after video - I'll get on it soon though - thanks ever so much for your encouragement Craig, it's appreciated - best wishes, Joel

[@Craig_Humphries]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton Thanks, Joel. I only found your channel today, so I have plenty to have a look at in the meantime :-)

[@wildlifegardener-tracey6206]

Great footage. I watch wasps drinking in my pond and you see the abdomen expand as they drink its fascinating.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Yes! Was particularly distracted by seeing this when watching the videos back and seeing the abdomens expanding - they were very grateful :) This drier whether has certainly had an impact on the pond in my garden, the wind plays as much havoc as the sun when it comes to water loss. Warmer weather predicted for later in the week here though, fingers crossed - best wishes, Joel

[@EasyHikes4810]

Great upload, Joel👍. We do get quite a few wasps, bumblebees, and butterflies around our pond too but not too many native honey bees unfortunately as they are in serious decline in our area due to a number of factors including the pest Asian Honey bees that carry diseases and mites. There are numerous billboards around our city asking to report these to bio-security if spotted. Hope you are well and busy (but not crazy busy) with your new venture🙂.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Just leaving for work, but not before I watched that fantastic video on Marble Canyon on your channel - brilliant as ever and a great distraction :) Please take footage of your pond etc when you get a chance, can't wait to see all this - sorry to hear about the Asian Honey bees - it's so early here I first read it as "pet Asian Honey bees" (!!) but your Marble Canyon video soon woke me up good and proper ;) Don't you forget me when you return to Canada will you? Best wishes as always, Joel

[@EasyHikes4810]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton No problem, Joel, will do when I have a chance to edit the footage. With Canada, hopefully, we can go there in November this year if restrictions are lifted by then🤞. Have a great week.

[@justlaughatlife8461]

Exactly what They do in my pond Joel they are loving a lump of algae and my friend asked and I said I guess they love and eat algae then u make this video !!!!! Great timing Joel 😊

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

That's brilliant :) I think they use the algae for a landing platform to then be able to collect the water, although the algae no doubt has minerals too - it's great when you see the benefits to so many insects and creatures, all from one water source, the key to all life :) Best wishes to you - Joel

[@justlaughatlife8461]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton when u have passion for nature you have a passion that is not just for your gain but the Benefit for all life and the earth that is when you have found the most special of all passions Joel I have a great idea for your channel I have an email now its [e-mail] I know your busy buddy so whenever u can

[@klcpca]

I don't have a pond but I am planning on making a butterfly puddler and a bee watering station for my garden this year... just a few more weeks and the weather should be good to go!! I have rocks in my bird bath and the bees & wasps use them frequently....

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

You'll be rewarded :) My other half was badgering me to do a video on this last year but I didn't quite get the time, she has mentioned it again already though! Thank you for the reminder ;) Best wishes, as always - Joel

[@williamsclive2900]

Very interesting...great footage joel... oh yea iv orderd your book ... looking forward to reading it 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Clive - hope you enjoy the book and if you need anything pond-wise or other native pollinating plants etc we're about to have a vast array available on the website :) Best wishes, Joel

[@williamsclive2900]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton fantastic joel ... iv already put your website on my home page ... speak soon joel and keep up the good work and hard graft 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@williamsclive2900 That means more than you'll know, I won't forget how you've continued to support me - every ounce is appreciated :)

[@williamsclive2900]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton bless ya mate .. thanks for the fantastic vids and footage ... well appreciate your message Joel 👍

[@MemasakDirumah]

Kolam menyediakan air untuk para binatang mengambil cairan untuk kebutuhan mereka. Kegiatan ini sangat bermanfaat dan memberikan pembelajaran baru. Sangat memotivasi kegiatan anda ini. Sukses selalu buat anda

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Halo untuk Anda! Terima kasih banyak, saya sangat senang Anda menikmati videonya dan itu sangat membantu, begitu banyak di alam yang tidak kami ketahui secara detail, Anda benar - air sangat berarti bagi banyak makhluk :) Salam hangat untuk Anda dan keluargamu, Joel

[@markrowland5393]

Thanks for the tip, Joel. I'll see about getting a bowl with some water and earth in it especially when it gets a bit warmer. It's been really cold, wet and windy here today in Abingdon.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Mark :) Yep, the drier weather and of course the wind over the last few days has certainly had an impact on water levels, the wind can play such a big part in the evaporation and of course the plants around the edges are soaking up a lot of the moisture - it all balances out in the end though. There will be many insects grateful for that earth and water in the bowl, even sand and some salt minerals added will entice the butterflies - come mid-summer remember that Red Admirals, Speckled Wood, Comma and Small Tortoisehells will really appreciate some fruit that is starting to rot down so I sometimes place this in with the mineral/water bowl around the edges :) Best wishes, Joel

[@markrowland5393]

All sounds good. Thanks Joel.

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@markrowland5393 You're very welcome, as always :)

[@D-H-D]

Hi Joel, love your work. Our garden has areas untouched for eight years now and we've got new wildflowers this year! I wondered how best to protect and help propagate thèse solitary plants when they do arrive?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Daniel, thank you so much - that means a lot :) Well done on keeping those areas untouched, it is amazing what returns isn't it? Are you meaning when to cut the lawn, keep the flowers intact for nectar benefit etc? Most wildflowers should be pretty easy to take seed from but some do require a cold snap to be able to kick in to germination in the Spring and others will require warmer temperatures - I'm happy for you to send an email to me with a few photos so I can attempt to ID them for you and advise further - [e-mail] - hope that helps in the meantime, best wishes - Joel

[@TheMadsros]

I've just made a little mud puddler in my garden for the butterflies. Please can you do a video showing how you make yours?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hope my partner doesn't see this! ;) She was badgering me last year to make a mud puddler etc but I just didn't have the time - I know it's relatively easy of course but there was always something else more pressing, although lots of insects had the mud and minerals around the edge of the pond - I'll be sure to do a video on this very soon though :) Best wishes to you Madelaine - Joel

[@owenhollifield5201]

👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Thanks Owen - appreciated :)

[@dbatesdob]

Will we get anymore vids on this garden Joel ? . It has so much in it .

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi Darren, yes, pretty soon - there will be a complete and longer video showing how this was made and the elements in it :) Just trying to find the time between larger projects at the moment but I'll get there - best wishes, Joel

[@dbatesdob]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton excellent thought it was because you're double busy ... loved the 100th pond vid

[@UkAmphibians]

Brilliant Joel what type of bees are they ?🐸💚🐸

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hello there - these are honey bees in the video but a whole host of bees will use the edges for minerals and moisture :) Best wishes, Joel

[@UkAmphibians]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thanks Joel there’s so many species of bees it’s easy to get confused we keep mason bees and leaf cutter bees in our garden. The mason bees do the same never realised honey bees do this 🐸💚🐸

[@Chris81VB]

Awesome little Ponds that you creating. This type of Ponds need no Pumps or Filters?

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - thanks so much for your kind comments, much appreciated :) None of the ponds I've created in the last 16/17 years have needed pumps or filters (unless a stream system is required of course) - it's the native natural oxygenators, and ensuring a relative proportion of the pond is covered with floating native plants, that keeps them gin clear. I am not sure if you have seen this video (apologies if it's a repeat for you!) but this shows the different styles, designs - might be helpful: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oHiUqGqDis2bjtU Thanks again for your support, it means a lot - best wishes, Joel

[@Chris81VB]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton thx Joe.☺

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@Chris81VB You're very welcome - thanks for your support

[@MrC-ov1ht]

When is the Nepeta available on the website Joel? Keeps saying end of April 👍

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

Hi there - hopefully in the next few days, speaking to another specialist supplier at the moment, colder weather has meant delays in growth, with the pond plants too unfortunately but we're nearly there :) Not sure if you've subscribed to the newsletter on the channel yet but we'll be sending that out in the next 2 days and lots of info re the plants, going peat-free etc :) Apologies for the delay, it's been unprecedented for all nurseries/suppliers what with Brexit/Covid etc - best wishes, Joel

[@MrC-ov1ht]

@@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton cheers mate

[@WildYourGardenWithJoelAshton]

@@MrC-ov1ht You're very welcome :) Thanks for your continued support and understanding, it's not been easy for a lot of suppliers/nurseries etc but everyone is working hard to get through this :)