I know some people are a little afraid of bees and some people, like myself, are somewhat allergic, while others are down right deathly allergic. But I want to make a plea for the safe passage of bees in and around our gardens. We need the bees for the pollination of our plants and flowers and we need to do our part to help provide a safe haven.
One of the first things you can do is to avoid using pesticides and/or harmful chemicals, and detergents. We need to remember that when we spray something for the 'bad' bugs we are probably going to have an effect on the 'good' bugs. There are all kinds of things that can be done to eliminate the need of such dangerous chemicals.
Try row covers, companion gardening, and homemade pepper sprays and the like. Think about keeping everything in your garden 'natural' enough to eat yourself. If you keep this in mind, you will be able to help provide a safe haven for bees. Remember to also provide something shallow filled with water and plant flowers that draw bees such as sunflowers, cosmos, bee balm, etc.
If you keep a safe environment that is 'attractive' to bees, then they will stay busy in your garden helping you to grow the things you love whether it's the amazing sunflower or your garden veggies!
And don't forget that some bees, such as mason bees, are helpful pollinators and don't sting!
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right! I find that if I just putter around my garden and ignore them, we are both pretty happy. I have not had a problem with any of the bees. I might also add that I also seem to attract a couple of different wasps that just flit and hang around the blossoms and then they move on. It's all rather peaceful! It's the Border Collie chasing things that seems to get everyone all excited!
ReplyDeleteAs we've become more aware of our garden as a habitat for birds (LOVE the sunflower!), I've become much more aware of what we can do to encourage the presence of bees. For me, bees have become an indicator of the overall health of my garden.
ReplyDeletePatricia, you are so right! When my garden is all 'abuzz' with bees, butterflies, and hummingbirds, I feel like the balance is there!
ReplyDeleteI saw our first bee in the garden this weekend hovering around the daffodils, I just love seeing them in my garden all fuzzy.
ReplyDeleteYeah! I'm excited for you!
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