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TUESDAY MAY 20TH is World Bee Day, the day dedicated to raising awareness of the importance of bees and other pollinators, as well as of the impact that issues such as climate change, habitat loss and unsustainable agricultural practices have on the bee population worldwide. Inspired by the bees, Ruth O’Connor brings you some pretty and practical items for your home and garden.
A colourful home for the bees
Perfect for supporting solitary bees, this eye-catching bee and insect hotel is made from responsibly sourced materials. The outer structure is made of WoodStone – an innovative, breathable and durable blend of concrete and FSC-certified wood fibres. It features bamboo tubes which can be replaced over time, preventing the build up of bacteria and allowing insects to nest again and again. €39.99.
The perfect plants for pollinators
The folks at the Arboretum garden centres have some brilliant advice on what to plant in order to support the bees in your garden. They recommend planting pollinator-friendly blooms such as Lavender, Salvia, Buddleia, Sedum, Nepeta and Verbena. Top tips for a pollinator-friendly garden include sowing native varieties of plants, avoiding the use of toxic fertilisers and pesticides and letting the weeds flourish. Embracing the ethos of No Mow May is a great start. With three locations across Ireland, Arboretum has a wide range of bee friendly plants available in-store but you can also order plants and seeds online.
Just add honey
We love this cute little bee-inspired serving board from the Bee collection at Very. What better way to add a buzz to your gathering? Featuring a charming bee engraving at the centre, the paddle handle makes it easy to carry while the twine hanging loop makes it easier to store when not in use. Just add cheese and honey. €28.99.
Mind your own beeswax
Co. Cork-based, female-led beekeeping business Hanna’s Bees creates a wide range of eco-friendly, handmade products that celebrate nature and the power of native Irish bees. Founder Hanna Bäckmo was the first Irish producer of reusable beeswax wraps – a great alternative to tin foil or plastic wraps in the home – and she also produces fantastic honey-based soaps, pure beeswax candles and beeswax furniture polish.
Bee inspired by Emma Campbell’s art
Based in Co. Kildare, artist Emma Campbell is inspired by the countryside around her studio and gallery in Kilmeague. She has a particular interest in the landscape and seascapes of Ireland as well as in the flora and fauna to be found around her home. We recently spotted some of her colourful prints in Kilkenny Design which feature bees and butterflies (from €170 mounted and framed). You can find her prints there or on the her own website.
Decorative bees that create a buzz
It might be one of our favourite jewellery brands, but did you know that Alex Monroe also makes the most beautiful animal-inspired accessories for the home with bees a constant source of inspiration for their designers? Their first piece of jewellery was inspired by a real bee, quickly followed by their bee-inspired homewares designed as fixtures for their Covent Garden store when it opened in 2019. We love their decorative brass Bumblebee door knockers, wall ornaments and drawer handles all made in Devon, England. Their Bumblebee bottle stopper would be a lovely housewarming gift. Prices from €47 approx.
Buzzy homewares from Tipperary Crystal
If you love bees then you’re bound to love the Bee collection from Tipperary Crystal. From sugar bowls and creamers to cake stands and coasters there is a full collection for the home. We love the little teapots for one – perfect for small spaces or home offices – as well as their storage jars with cute bee handles. Pictured here is the 1.5l water jug (was €35 now €21) and teatowel selection (was €14 now €8.40). The range is available from Tipperary Crystal, Easons and Tipperary Crystal stockists nationwide.
Glasses to get the party buzzing
Perfect for serving up a summer drink in the garden, these lovely tumblers by heritage French company La Rochere feature a delightful raised bee motif. The thick glass makes the goblets sturdy and durable enough for everyday use whether you want a fresh juice at breakfast or a refreshing sundowner in the back yard. €47 approx for set of four.
Find out more about World Bee Day and native Irish bees:
The Federation of Irish Beekeepers’ Associations
Native Irish Honey Bee Society
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