Making Life Better With Bees

Inspired by Africa and the vital connection between bees, people, and biodiversity, this urban retreat transforms a small space into a pollinator haven. Traditional English and African beehives highlight the role of bees in mitigating biodiversity loss, climate change, and poverty.

Key features include a hexagonal bench for privacy, a feature wall with vertical planting and solitary bee habitats and planters repurposed from honey barrels and beehives. A windfallen oak trunk demonstrates traditional African beehives, blending cultural heritage with contemporary design.

Vibrant, pollinator-friendly plants such as Agapanthus, Kniphofia, and Gleditsia ‘Rubylace’ provide colour, pollen, and nectar through the seasons. This balcony garden shows that even the smallest urban spaces can support bees and biodiversity-aligning with Bees for Development’s mission of making life better with bees.
 

At a glance

Who would use this garden?
A nature-lover living in the city.
Where is the garden set?
A corner balcony in an urban environment.
Who or what is the design inspiration for the garden?
The garden is inspired by a world traveller with a deep connection to Africa and a passion for biodiversity, sustainability, and beekeeping.
 

Garden legacy

Hard landscaping elements of the balcony garden will be re-purposed and relocated at Bees for Development’s apiary and EH Thorne. Soft landscaping elements will be returned to the grower.