Cultivate a pollinator paradise, one bloom at a time.
Embracing Hardy Geraniums as a Foundation for Pollinator Support
Hardy perennial geraniums are an exceptional choice for gardeners aiming to attract and sustain bee populations. These robust plants offer a profusion of blooms throughout the early spring, and many varieties consistently re-flower, providing a continuous nectar source. Their adaptability to shady and woodland environments makes them particularly versatile, catering to various garden designs while offering sustenance for a wide array of bee species. Unlike the more delicate Pelargoniums, hardy geraniums encompass diverse forms, from ground-hugging varieties perfect for compact spaces to taller specimens reaching up to four feet. When selecting a planting site, it's crucial to align it with the specific sun exposure preferences of your chosen geranium variety, ensuring optimal growth and bloom production. Although these plants thrive in consistent medium moisture and rich, humus-filled soil—benefiting from organic amendments like aged manure, compost, and worm castings—they are not ideal for excessively hot or arid conditions. Plant them directly into prepared soil or containers in spring after the last frost, or sow cold-treated seeds in either fall or spring. A unique characteristic of hardy geraniums is the audible 'explosion' of seeds from their pods in late summer, dispersing them a considerable distance after the initial flowering period concludes. These plants can also be propagated by carefully dividing their rhizomes, cutting between emerging stems to create new clusters. Regular watering is essential immediately after transplanting, but once established, they can tolerate drier spells, especially in nutrient-rich soil. To maintain their vigor and encourage subsequent blooms, prune back spent flower stems after the first flush. Additional pruning can manage growth if plants become overly expansive. While generally resistant to pests and diseases, excessive overhead watering in shaded conditions can lead to powdery mildew or fungal issues. Should this occur, promptly remove and dispose of affected leaves, avoiding compost to prevent disease spread.
Ensuring Hydration for Bees Through Thoughtful Water Stations
Given the concerning decline in bee populations and the widespread issue of colony collapse, every gardener has a vital role in supporting these critical pollinators. Beyond planting native and flowering species, providing access to clean water is essential. While many insects obtain moisture from their food, bees require a significant amount of pure water, which can be challenging to find in natural sources like ponds or rivers that lack safe landing spots, posing a drowning risk. Creating a dedicated bee watering station is a simple yet impactful way to ensure bees have reliable access to hydration. A birdbath can be repurposed for this, ideally with the addition of a 'bee preserver'—glass spheres with textured surfaces that float on the water, allowing bees to safely access the liquid without submerging. To further attract bees, consider adding about 10 to 12 drops of lemongrass oil to the water; this essential oil mimics a natural pheromone that guides honeybees to new nesting sites. If the goal is to provide a general water source for all pollinators rather than specifically honeybees, regularly refresh the water in birdbaths or other water features where a bee preserver can float. Consistently fresh water is paramount for bee health. For those concerned about stagnant water contributing to mosquito breeding, alternative solutions include floating wine corks or small sticks on the water's surface in buckets or birdbaths. Another effective method is to fill a birdbath with river stones, then add just enough water to create small, accessible pockets for bees to drink from. Regular cleaning of these water sources is important to maintain hygiene. Observe how both pollinating bees and wasps frequent these stations throughout the day, with activity often peaking in the late afternoon and early evening hours.
Capitalizing on Bolting Herbs to Benefit Pollinators
The natural lifecycle of herbs is driven by reproduction, with flowering and seed production as their ultimate biological imperative. All herbs will eventually 'bolt,' a process where the plant shifts its energy from leaf production to developing flowers and stems. This change is easily recognized by the emergence of prominent floral structures above the leafy base. While bolting causes herbs to lose much of their culinary flavor, as their energy is directed towards seed development, this phase becomes incredibly valuable for pollinators. To prolong the flavorful leaf stage of your herbs, plant them densely and ensure consistent watering. Applying a layer of mulch to cool their roots can also delay the onset of bolting, particularly in hot and dry conditions, where herbs can transition from delicious to inedible within hours. However, once bolting becomes inevitable, embrace it fully. Allow the herbs to flower completely, providing a rich source of nectar for bees and other pollinators. To maintain a continuous supply of fresh, flavorful herbs for culinary use, implement succession planting. This involves starting new batches of herbs in staggered intervals, ensuring that as one crop bolts, another is ready to provide tender leaves. This strategy simultaneously supports your culinary needs and provides ongoing sustenance for pollinators throughout the growing season. Pollinator-favorite herbs include basil, bee balm, betony, borage, catmint, chives, fennel, hyssop, lavender, lemon balm, marjoram, mint, oregano, sage, and rosemary. Begin your first herb crop from seed in winter, transplant young plants in early spring, and then succession-plant seeds next to the initial crop once it's established. As the first plants begin to flower, the subsequent plantings will offer their first fresh, leafy flavors. For invasive varieties like mint and oregano, consider planting them in containers to manage their spread effectively.
Creating Sanctuary for Mason Bees, Exceptional Garden Allies
Native bee populations in the United States have faced significant declines, though some species, like mason bees, show greater resilience compared to honey bees. Mason bees are solitary and non-social, meaning they do not produce commercial honey. However, their gentle nature, lack of stinging aggression, and remarkable pollinating efficiency make them invaluable garden inhabitants. North America hosts approximately 140 species of mason bees, which are typically active for 8 to 10 weeks in spring, entering dormancy for the remainder of the year until their next pollinating cycle. For mason bees to thrive and remain in your garden, a diverse array of spring-flowering plants within a 300-foot radius of their nesting site is essential to provide ample pollen and nectar. The Xerces Society recommends native plants as the best option for native bees. Mason bees usually emerge around the time redbud trees bloom in a region, with their activity peaking during apple-blossom season. Their incredible efficiency—one bee can pollinate over 1,500 blossoms daily—underscores their vital role, especially in orchards. To promote the well-being of all bees, avoid chemical fertilizers and pesticides in your garden. Incorporate early-flowering plants and shrubs such as forsythia, crocus, primrose, snowdrops, Lenten rose, and pulmonaria to provide immediate food sources. To extend their active season, consider adding sweet-scented roses, forget-me-nots, cranesbill geranium, borage, comfrey, sweetpea, penstemon, salvia, and allium. Providing a source of mud is also crucial for mason bees, as they use it to construct their nests; this can be achieved by purchasing mud online or simply filling a tub or trench with muddy soil. Mason bee houses, which typically consist of empty tubes or reeds within a protective casing, are readily available. Bees nest within these tubes. Alternatively, you can craft your own nesting boxes by drilling 20 to 30 splinter-free, 5/16-inch holes, 6 inches deep, into an untreated wooden block. Mount these nesting houses at least 3 feet off the ground, securely against a fence, tree, or building, ensuring they are shielded from rain and receive full morning sun. To prevent disease accumulation, replace wooden block houses every two years.