Slovenia's Bee-Friendly Initiative Plants 4,000 Saplings in 2026
Slovenia will mark its fifth annual Day of Planting Melliferous Plants on Saturday, 21 March 2026. The initiative, organised by the Slovenian Beekeepers' Association (ČZS), encourages people to plant flowers and trees that provide food for bees and other pollinators. This year, 84 municipalities will take part, distributing nearly 4,000 saplings to create a more biodiverse environment.
The project began five years ago under the ČZS, with support from the Ministry of Agriculture, Forestry and Food. Its goal is to boost pollinator populations by increasing the availability of nectar-rich plants. Over time, the event has grown, with more communities joining each year.
This year, 3,999 melliferous tree saplings will be handed out at 13 collection points across the country. Some municipalities also gift young trees to parents of newborns, symbolising growth alongside the child while supporting local ecosystems. Popular plant choices include sage, lavender, sunflowers, coriander and phacelia. Reports from the Slovenian Beekeepers' Union show a 30–50% rise in plantings since 2020, with lavender and sage thriving in coastal areas and sunflowers and phacelia dominating inland regions. These plants can grow in gardens, orchards, fields, or even on balconies, making them accessible to almost everyone. To further encourage participation, beekeeping societies (ČD) can apply for co-funding of up to €1,000. The grants help cover costs for planting saplings, improving bee forage and strengthening local biodiversity.
The Day of Planting Melliferous Plants offers a simple way for individuals and communities to support pollinators. By planting even a few flowers or trees, participants contribute to a greener future with richer biodiversity. The initiative continues to expand, with more saplings, municipalities and plant varieties involved each year.
