We honor a timeless ritual—one that reconnects people to the land, to memory, and to the quiet companionship of pollinators. “Telling the Bees” is more than a poetic phrase; it is the foundation of our philosophy.
What Is “Telling the Bees”?
The tradition of “Telling the Bees” comes from rural Europe, where bees were informed of family births, marriages, and—most solemnly—deaths. This intimate ritual acknowledged bees as sensitive members of the household, requiring inclusion in the cycles of human life. Across England, Germany, and later parts of New England, hives were draped in mourning cloth, tapped gently, and spoken to in hushed tones when someone passed away (Wikipedia).
Today, this ritual lives on in quieter, more symbolic forms. We carry it forward by creating pollinator-rich spaces where people can pause, speak, remember, and feel heard—sometimes by the bees themselves.
The Tradition as Garden Philosophy
At Tell the Bees, we don’t recreate folklore for nostalgia’s sake. We root our designs in the emotional and ecological intelligence behind the ritual. We understand that people often need places where they can express difficult emotions in safety and stillness—and that bees, wildflowers, and the turning seasons offer a wordless but profound companionship in those moments.
Our gardens are shaped to reflect this sensibility. Within each space, we:
- Integrate native plants like anise hyssop, wild thyme, and bee balm that naturally draw native bees and other pollinators.
- Include quiet alcoves or natural seating near active pollinator zones, inviting quiet reflection and connection.
- Design for symbolic continuity, ensuring bloom succession that echoes the cycles of life, death, and renewal.
- Allow space for spoken or unspoken rituals—such as offering a thought to the bees, walking through plantings in silent memory, or observing the rhythmic hum of pollinators in flight.
By embedding these layers into our gardens, we revive the essence of “Telling the Bees” in a way that speaks to both ancient understanding and modern emotional needs.
Why This Tradition Resonates Today
As people seek more meaning in their connection to nature, rituals like “Telling the Bees” provide not only history but healing. Recent research has shown that symbolic actions in nature—such as speaking thoughts aloud or engaging in commemorative behavior—aid in emotional processing and self-regulation.
In our installations, we have witnessed how:
- Gardens can serve as living memorials and places of closure.
- Pollinators become more than ecological actors—they are subtle witnesses to grief, joy, and transformation.
- Engaging with bees becomes an act of mindfulness, empathy, and grounding.
We cultivate these experiences intentionally, recognizing that the health of people and pollinators is deeply intertwined.
How We Carry the Tradition Forward
We offer more than garden design—we create immersive, restorative environments that channel the essence of “Telling the Bees.” Our services include:
- Custom-designed pollinator gardens rooted in native ecology and therapeutic intent
- Memorial or commemorative garden features tailored to specific life events or loved ones
- Sensory plantings that encourage mindfulness and interaction with nature
- Interpretive storytelling elements that invite personal reflection and engagement with the history of the bees
Each garden is a space where tradition meets innovation, where ecology supports emotion, and where telling the bees becomes an act of restoration—not only for the land, but for the heart.
Why Work With Tell the Bees
When you hire Tell the Bees, you’re not just commissioning a garden—you’re inviting meaning, memory, and ecological purpose into your landscape. We bring together deep horticultural expertise, evidence-based design, and a reverence for tradition to create spaces where healing happens and pollinators thrive. Whether you’re seeking a personal sanctuary, a memorial, or a community healing space, we translate your vision into a living, breathing garden that listens.
Contact us to help you create a place where nature listens and responds.