Checking out my mason bees at the end of the work day. The top bee house is homemade and the bottom was purchased at Figaro’s garden store. Photo by J. B. Fergusson
BY JULIE CHENG
Native bees are endangered due to pesticide use and loss of habitat. They are often better pollinators than the honeybee, helping pollinate our fruit trees and vegetables and preserve the native ecosystem. We need to whatever we can to help these efficient pollinators.
With the expert guidance of staff and volunteers by the organization Hives 4 Humanity, I was inspired to build bee homes from reclaimed wood for my backyard to give the little native pollinators a place to nest.
This summer, my apple trees and blueberry and raspberry bushes are bursting with fruit.
Bees are cold blooded and here they are waiting for the morning sun to warm them before getting down to work. Photo by Julie Cheng
It’s a great way to start and end the work day, watching the bees. The bees are fascinating and super-cute.
What you can do to help native bees
- Plant native wildflowers that are bee-friendly
- Plant some bee turf instead of grass for your lawn
- Do not use pesticides or herbicides in your garden
- Build a bee home in your garden
- Purchase bee cocoons and set them out in spring/summer by your bee home
- For bee supplies, check your local garden store (like Figaro’s, West Coast Seeds) or online store (beediverse.com)
Butterflies are also pollinators. Photo by J. B. Fergusson
Julie Cheng has lived in the neighbourhood for more than 20 years and is the editor of the Renfrew-Collingwood Community News.
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Renfrew-Collingwood Community News 