Last October John did an entry on “Honey, Let’s Help the Bees”. Yea right here on this very site. Check it out. Then come back and check out my part two to that. I came across an informative article from Jennifer G in Ontario Canada, that I must share as May 20 is World Bee Day and is coming up quickly.

She writes 5 ways to help bees and other pollinators. And here they are:

1. Plant native flowers: Provide food and habitat for pollinators by creating a pollinator garden. To do so requires planting a variety of native flowers that bloom from early spring to late fall. Native plants are well adapted to the climate and require less watering. Visit your local nursery to purchase flowers native to your area.

2. Buy pesticide-free plants: Ensure that any flowers you buy for your garden have not been treated with pesticides. You can get them at nurseries that advertise themselves as organic. If you are uncertain of whether seedlings are pesticide-free, ask nursery staff. Also, employ environmentally friendly approaches to control garden pests

3. Don’t over manicure your garden: Leave dead stems and wooden substrate in your garden for bees to nest in. Twenty per cent of bees nest in cavities, such as hallow stems, abandoned animal burrows and even hollow metal frames of your garden furniture. Also, let the grass grow and clover on your lawn bloom. Both provide vital food for pollinators and promote a healthy, green lawn.

4. Provide patches of natural ground cover in your yard: Eighty per cent of bees nest in the ground and prefer to make their nest on bare soil that gets lots of sun. Ground-nesting bees make tiny tunnels in the earth using their sharp mouthparts, called mandibles. Some bees, like bumble bees, will also nest in leaf litter!

Did I just read that right? 80% - WOW – who knew! Read on..

Oh and my favorite tip of them all!

5. Learn about pollinators and tell others: Become a citizen scientist! Take part in pollinator events during Pollinator Week. Take the kids along for the ride as well.

Check out this cool bee hotel! Until next time natural honey lovers – stay sweet!