Five-Step Setup Pick your dish – Any shallow, stable container works. Add a layer of marbles or stones – Bright colors double as a pollinator beacon. Pour water just below the marble tops – Bees perch safely; no swimming required. Place near flowering plants – Morning sun on a table, stump, or raised ledge is ideal. Maintain – Refill with clean water; bring inside if a freeze is forecast.
Why Gardeners—Especially Seniors—Love This Project
No heavy lifting or digging
Costs almost nothing (use what you already own)
Eco-friendly alternative to chemicals
Creative outlet (paint the saucer, mix colorful stones)
Conversation starter with neighbors and grandkids
Watching bees pause for a sip becomes a daily reminder that small kindnesses ripple outward—to healthier blooms, happier pollinators, and a more vibrant backyard ecosystem. So grab a dish, scatter some marbles, add water, and place your new bee bar outside. Within days you’ll see tiny visitors thanking you—one gentle landing at a time.