The Winning Bee Garden Design in Radio 2's Big Bee Challenge

September 09, 2021

As part of Radio 2's recent Big Bee Challenge, the RHS built a bee-friendly garden. We're proud to have supplied some of the products.

Our Dune Sandstone brings a stunning honeycomb feel to the Big Bee Challenge Garden.

Radio 2 Big Bee Challenge

Radio 2 asked listeners aged 6-12 years old to send in their own bee garden design. In taking part, children learned more about nature and sustainability and how we can improve garden design to be more nature-friendly. From the many entrants a winner was chosen, and the design built at an NHS Trust site. The garden was designed to attract bees and other pollinating insects, as well as be an attractive site. Now that it's built, the garden will be used to help children and young people with mental health issues: a much-needed place of quiet reflection to be enjoyed in harmony by people and bees alike.

The bee garden provides easily accessible water, with edging pebbles giving the bees tiny ponds to drink from.

The importance of bees

Bees are one of the world's most important pollinators for food crops. They are essential for a healthy environment and for the food that we eat. However, around the UK, bees as well as other wild insects are in decline; some are even in danger of extinction. A main contributing factor to the endangerment of bees is the reduction in the flower-rich habitats they love. The aim of Radio 2’s Big Bee Challenge is to raise awareness of the tragic situation our bee population finds itself in. It is hoped that it will encourage listeners to create their own environments to support pollinators. Creating green spaces that are so important to their survival is crucial to supporting bees. No space is too small. Whether in a garden or unused space, on a balcony or window ledge, planting some flowers will help bees and other insects.

The Garden

The bee garden was designed by Izabella, aged 10, from Hampshire. The garden features our Dune sandstone paving cut to size in our Bespoke Stone Centre. The stunning hexagon shapes symbolise the honeycombs of the beehive. The golden tones of the sandstone give the garden a honeyed glow that reminds us of the bee’s home. We no longer supply Dune sandstone. For similar warm, sandy colouring, consider Camel Dust riven sandstone, or Multi Mint sawn sandstone. Throughout the garden there are plenty of bee-friendly plants, in flower beds positioned within the paving around the garden, and in the raised hexagon planters. The small, shallow ponds, with sloping sides made from large rocks, provides the perfect place for wildlife to safely drink.

Creating lasting habitats for bee is essential for their survival. The garden was built by Massey Garden Design

Sitting against the wall is a unique hexagonal insect hotel. Very prominent, this may not look like a usual feature for a garden, but it is perfect for bees. The combination of different materials is ideal for bees to make their home or rest. Of course, there is a bench for people as well. Let’s not forget that this is a functional garden for people to enjoy, where they can peacefully watch nature go by. The garden is truly beautiful and extremely considerate of bees. To see Izabella's original design, visit the BBC website.

What you can do for bees

Making just one small change in your garden can help the bee population, so it's easy for everyone to get involved. One small change you can make is to leave out some water, particularly on a hot day. Whether you have a large garden or small window box, large planters or small pots, planting some pollen-rich plants will be a great benefit to bees. Radio 2 - and London Stone - hope that you feel inspired to help the bees of Britain! Post updated: June 2024