The Latest Buzz on Bees

They are some of the hardest pollinators around, playing an outsized role in sustaining about 85% of all the plant species on the planet. One out of every three bites of food you consume is made possible by pollinators. In fact, blueberries and cherries are 90% dependent on honeybees, while almond crops depend entirely on the honeybee at bloom time.

But this year, bees are facing two very different challenges. 

First, let’s talk about honeybees. Populations of the bees are collapsing because of tiny mites that burrow in between the segments of the bees’ bodies and infect them with viruses that deform their wings and leave them flightless.

And then there’s the problem that many feel is caused by honeybees. 

Feral honeybees – so called because they aren’t under human control – often take over territories at the expense of native species. Because they are so efficient at stripping the pollen from flowers, the honeybees don’t leave an adequate amount for native bees – many of which just can’t compete.

Part of the problem with this is that honeybees often collect so much pollen from one single plant that the plant winds up self-pollinating instead of getting a cross-section of pollen from multiple sources. Cross-pollination is what strengthens plants for future generations. 

Here’s how you can help pollinators – both native and imported – and in the process, add beauty to your garden:

Create habitats for pollinators by supplying necessary water, food, shelter and places to raise their young. That includes building a few well-placed bee condos or hotels.

Plant in clumps, as clustering plants are easier to find and shorten the need for travel, reserving the energy of backyard pollinators.

Plant a section of native plants and wildflowers to increase nectar and pollen sources for butterflies and bumblebees. Great native plants to choose are Beebalm (Monarda menthaefolia), Silvery lupine (Lupinus argenteus), Blue flax (Linum lewisii), Penstemons or beardtongues, and Coneflowers (Echinacea, Ratibida, and Rudbeckia).

Choose a variety of plants that will bloom in rotation through the growing season. Make sure to plant them where pollinators will visit, such as sunny spots with some shelter as opposed to shady areas.

Use only bee-friendly pesticides. Most organic products are not harmful to bees.

Warner’s locally grown native plant selection, as well as all the other quality plants from our nursery, will provide multiple food sources for all those buzzing bees and other pollinators.

If you have any questions about setting your garden abuzz and making it a home for our oh-so-important pollinators, our experts at Warner’s would be happy to help.

Happy gardening! FBN

By Misti Warner-Andersen

Misti Warner-Andersen is the manager of Warner’s Nursery & Landscape Co., located at 1101 E. Butler Ave. in Flagstaff. To contact Warner’s Nursery, call 928-774-1983.