If you are an avid Gardner you are probably baffled by our last post! Rest assured we are thinking of you to! There are several things you can do to make your yard or a particular area "bee friendly"!
Bee Necessities: What does an area need for bees and pollinators to thrive?
Pollinators' needs are not all that different from yours or mine. They need food, water, shelter, and a non-toxic environment.
FOOD: Flowers and Plants for Bees! There are numerous flowers you can plant that are especially appealing to bees:
This chart lists a few of them and the optimum times! However, if you already have a "green thumb" you probably knew about these. The next suggestions range in complexity and some are unorthodox, but if you really want to attract bees and other pollinators they are worth it!
There are many ways you can offer water to your buzzing buddies. Most often people choose to utilize what they already have! You don't need to go out and buy a fancy contraption to give bees water!
- Bird feeders: If you have one; bird baths are great! However, bees need a resting place near their water source. Consider using rocks or some sort of decorative fixture to allow them to really get the most out of your oasis!
- Sponges: there are pros and cons to using sponges. It really depends on personal preference. They will have to be checked often (to ensure moisture) and can be a fun chew toy for outdoor pets, and not the ones we intend them for! Yet, so many people choose this option because it is inexpensive and easy to maintain (even in apartments!). If you elect to use sponges consider placing them at various heights to get the optimum usage!
- Bowls or Pans: Have a shallow bowl or dish you don't use often? Upcycle it into a bee sanctuary! Place a few rocks and some nice clean water and give your kitchen clutter new life! Again, outdoor pets can make this a little tricky... Especially if they are not good "sharers"!
- Window Planters: this is a great solution for gardening newbies, those who live in an apartment, or those (like myself) who weren't blessed with a green thumb but want to support the bee population. Plant a few bee friendly plants in a small box planter or window planter. Add a sponge or perhaps block off an area for a mini pool! Viola! You're all set up and your bees will have their private oasis!
- Hint: some gardening centers and farmers' markets sell these pre-planted and in cluster that are all great for pollinators!
This is where the unorthodox methods are coming into play. I know not everyone wants a colony of bees living in their back yard; because they don't know what you and I know. That's fine... More bees for us! There are some very economical tree hives or swarm catchers you can purchase to kickstart your bee keeping hobby! There are also some expensive but AWESOME kinds of bee habitats. My advice is to read about the required maintenance first. Then decide how much time you want to spend. It's literally a hobby for anyone. You can dive in with $25 or invest hundreds or thousands! A top bar hive is among the most popular. Flow hives are not yet on the market, but look like they could become a favorite very soon after they finally make their public debut.
Hope this was helpful!
BEE HAPPY!
-Courtnie R.
http://www.fix.com/blog/bring-back-the-bees/
Www.diynatural.com