Non-bee loving ground cover - Ask Extension
Hello. I have many bee attractions in my yard. I do not want them where I have my veggie garden. I am looking for a flowering light walking ground cov...
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Non-bee loving ground cover #879474
Asked July 30, 2024, 6:00 PM EDT
Hello. I have many bee attractions in my yard. I do not want them where I have my veggie garden. I am looking for a flowering light walking ground cover that won't attract bees to this small area. I really want creeping thyme but this won't work with my no bee requirement. I don't want to be battling them when I am working my garden boxes. Do you have any other suggestions? Sandy and sunny area. Thanks
Hennepin County Minnesota
Expert Response
If you want a groundcover that will not attract bees/pollinators it likely cannot have blooms. Clover may be an option. Ajuga is another, while it blooms following spring it is bloom free. There are also grasses and sedges that are low/no mow that are options. Below is a link to ground covers, both blooming and non-blooming.
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2019-08/Turf%20Alternatives-Metro%20Blooms.pdf
https://bwsr.state.mn.us/sites/default/files/2019-08/Turf%20Alternatives-Metro%20Blooms.pdf