According to statistics from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, bees are responsible for pollinating approximately one-third of the food we consume. Accounting for the pollination of 80% of flowering crops, bees play an essential role in our everyday lives. Despite the critical services bees provide, their populations continue to dwindle, putting our nation’s food supply at risk. Fortunately, you don’t need to be an accomplish beekeeper to help the species. Using these three tips, you can create effectively transform your outdoor space into a backyard bee haven!
Tip #1: Be Wild
A yard that is highly-maintained may be less appealing to these critters, so don’t be afraid to loosen the reigns a bit. The best source of nectar tends to be the wildflowers that are native to your region. Allow patches of wildflowers to grow undisturbed in to achieve increase of pollinator traffic your space. By letting your grass grow a little longer and – gasp– allowing a few weeds to take root (dandelions, clover, chickweed), you’ll be creating a source of pollen and nectar for bees to enjoy during the offseason.
Tip #2: Plant Strategically
When selecting plants for your outdoor space, there are a few factors to consider if you want to create your own backyard bee haven. In general, bees tend to be attracted to flowers that are blue, yellow and purple. Plants that have flat blossoms are a favorite for bees, as they provide more direct access to pollen and nectar. If you have questions about plant selection, visit your local plant store to find out what varieties attract the most bees in your region.
Tip #3: Create a Habitat
Many types of bees are known to stay close to their homes, generally travelling only 300-feet from their nest. With that in mind, creating nesting sites within your property will greatly increase accessibility for bee populations. Some methods of promoting bee habitation include setting up a manufactured or handmade bee homes, and providing a bee bath or other water source. These factors will encourage your bee friends to settle into your yard.
By making these changes, you be able to create a flourishing backyard bee haven. In doing so, you’ll also be working to promote to the health and sustainability of bee populations. Additionally, your garden will reap the wondrous benefits of additional pollination.
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Over the course of their professional partnership, Aryne + Dulcinea have helped over 200 clients prosper in their new lives. During this time, they have prided themselves in their top-notch selling abilities, with homes outperforming market standards, consistently exceeding list price while most of their listings sell in under 7 days. Whether you’re looking to buy or sell, Aryne & Dulcinea will work in collaboration to guide you in investing in your future and reaching your real estate goals.