Bees In the Garden
 In the
last few years, the honeybee population has plummeted from an onslaught
of foreign mites and viruses. The Orchard Mason Bee, which is native to
North America, has not been affected. That's a good thing because Mason
bees actually pollinate more efficiently.
Also called solitary
bees, the Mason bee's only concern is pollination and reproduction.
They do not make honey. Although they like to nest near each other,
they don't work together communally or have a queen to protect like
honeybees. For that reason, Mason bees are not aggressive and generally
won't sting.
Mason bees are really a must for any gardener who
longs for a bountiful fruit harvest. They will pollinate many kinds of
blossoms, including apple, pear, cherry, plum, nectarine, raspberry,
blackberry, strawberry and cranberry. They can carry more pollen than
honeybees and they visit many more blossoms. This extremely effective
pollination produces better, bigger and more fruit.
The bees
also pollinate many flowers, including daisies, cosmos, dahlia, zinnia,
rose and honeysuckle. The sweet nectar of many herbs, including: mint,
lavender, sage and oregano--may also attract these long-tongued bees.
Now, you can increase your chances of a better fruit harvest and an
abundance of blossoms by purchasing Mason bees from Backyard Birds.
The bees are sold in nesting tubes--tubes in which they deposit their
eggs. The eggs will turn to larvae and eventually emerge as adults
ready to gather pollen. You can place the tubes in your yard and let
the bees go to work. For best effect, the tube or starter population
should be placed in a level position on a dry, permanent place away
from direct sunlight. (Partially shaded south locations under a roof
overhang on any building would be excellent.) Experience has shown that
attaching the bee tubes to a solid structure such as a building is
better than a tree limb. Try it! Mason bee tubes, $2 ea. To see our full line of Quality Bird Watching Gifts for Attracting, Nesting and Feeding Wild Birds including: Bird Feeders, Birdhouses, Hummingbird Feeders, and Bird Baths, and Unique Home and Garden Decor such as Wind Chimes, Mylar Windsocks, Garden Gnomes and more, go to www.BackyardBirdsandGardens.com
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