Why should you grow plants for pollinators? For starters, bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are colorful and interesting visitors to any garden. And without these pollinators and the plants that support them, there literally wouldn’t be gardens. Unfortunately, many of these winged jewels are in trouble. The populations of many species of butterflies, hummingbirds and bees are being threatened by shrinking natural habitats that provide them food and shelter. According to Kylee Baumle, author of The Monarch: Saving Our Most-Loved Butterfly, gardeners have a crucial role to play in pollinator health. Growing pollinator plants and creating pollinator gardens is vitally important in maintaining populations of bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. What Does a Pollinator Garden Look Like? At first glance, a pollinator garden might look like a typical flower garden. It’s dominated by perennial plants that flower in a rainbow of colors. But a pollinator garden contains a … [Read more...] about Plants for Pollinators
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Top 10 Tips for Keeping Bees
You are now keeping bees. You have just installed your first package of honey bees in your hive. Yes, you are now a beekeeper! But you are still feeling anxious. You are a bit unsure if this experiment will really work. You are not sure if you have the necessary beekeeping supplies. And you are not even sure what you’ll need to know to become a “real” beekeeper. Most ‘newbees’ (ha!) feel the same tension. Managing honeybees requires a new skill set. That’s why I am going to share the tips that I wish I had known 20 years ago, when I first started keeping bees. I call these my Top 10 Tips and Tricks for Keeping Bees and Becoming a Better Beekeeper. Keeping Bees Tip #1: Join a Beekeeping Club My first tip on keeping bees is basically, “Don’t do it alone.” Join a local beekeeping club or group. Take advantage of the chance to listen to monthly national speakers and watch live, in-person hive demonstrations. The chance to connect with other more experienced beekeepers is … [Read more...] about Top 10 Tips for Keeping Bees
Follow the Buzz: How to Start Beekeeping
It’s OK to admit it. You are wondering how to start beekeeping. You have been thinking about beekeeping for a long time. You’ve seen other people keeping bees. You've watched other beginners get into the beekeeping hobby. But you continue to put off beekeeping for another time when you are less stressed and busy. You are teetering on the edge of the beekeeping, and you love reading about the hobby of beekeeping. You read every “How to Start Beekeeping” story you can find. Clearly, you just need a gentle push to get you going and commit. If this sounds like you, it’s time for you to follow your inner buzz. It’s time to start keeping bees and become a actual beekeeper. Now is the perfect time to get your equipment and order your bees. How to Start Beekeeping Even beginners know that you can’t be a beekeeper unless you have bees. That means placing an order for the buzzing little bees that will be the beating heart of your beehive. Suppliers of bees are very … [Read more...] about Follow the Buzz: How to Start Beekeeping
