Pollen, Nectar, Honey, and Bee Bread: What Honey Bees Eat
Honey bees are remarkable creatures. Their ability to communicate, adapt, and work together in a colony is unparalleled in nature. But these fascinating insects can’t do any of this without the proper nutrition. Like humans, bees need a balanced diet to thrive. And what they eat is intricately linked to their health and productivity as […]
Synchronized Survival: A Day in the Life of a Honey Bee
The compound eyes open to the dim light inside the hive. Our bee emerges slowly from the wax comb, crawling out from the mass of bee bodies pulsing in the morning hive frenzy. She is a worker bee – her duty is the repetitive toil that supports this colony of 50,000. Survival of the hive […]
The Vanishing Homes of Pollinators
Bees, butterflies, birds and beetles – our landscapes are filled with busy creatures that carry pollen from flower to flower. This allows plants to reproduce and bear the fruits, seeds and nuts that nourish wildlife and humans alike. Pollinators depend on specialized habitats to survive. Unfortunately, these habitats are disappearing across the country. What is […]
DIY a Budget-Friendly Water Feature for Bees and Other Pollinators: A Step-by-Step Guide
Like humans, bees require fresh, clean water to survive. Bees drink water not just to stay hydrated. They also use water to produce wax to build honeycomb, mixed with pollen to create “bee bread” to feed the colony; and spread about their hive to cool the temperature on hot days. Bees collect water from various […]
Let it Grow! Six Garden Weeds Bees Love
Weeds are frustrating, no doubt. They take up space in your garden and compete with other plants for sunlight and nutrients. However, not all weeds are bad. Many are beneficial, especially for bees and other pollinators. Why bees are important for your garden Before we get into the weeds, it important to remember why bees […]
Planting a Bee Garden Is Easy and Fun
You can make a difference on the lives of pollinators with an eye-catching bee garden. Up close, you’ll experience the wonder of nature’s colors, sounds, and abundance — with a parade of blooms available to you and the bees, through the spring, summer, and fall. A simple pollinator garden is doable and fun to create […]
The Benefits of Adding a Bee Bath To Your Garden
Most people already know about birdbaths. These small additions to gardens are ideal for birds to freshen up their wings and clean themselves before flying to the next backyard. However, fewer people know about the existence of bee baths. These small but powerful backyard features can become the perfect havens for your yard’s buzzing bees. […]
Five of the Most Bee-Friendly Flowers To Plant in Your Garden
When it comes to saving the bees, there’s more than one way to support the population of this pollinator. If you’re searching for a simple and accessible way to help the general bee population, consider showing your support by growing a garden. In this article, we’ll share five of the most bee-friendly flowers to plant in […]
The Benefits of Building a Pollinator Garden
Gardening can be an intimidating hobby to take up if you’ve never grown plants before. Some people fear that even after buying the best gardening equipment, planting seeds, and pouring water each day, they still won’t have a green thumb. However, the benefits of starting a garden in your backyard significantly outweigh the disadvantages. Plus, […]