People who want to encourage bees to make their home nearby would do well to put some thought into what they’re growing in their garden, says Barbara Ebell of Nanoose Edibles.
“Of serious concern in this area is the fact we have rather blustery springs and falls,” she said.
“Because of this, its particularly helpful to make sure you have plants that carry their pollen and nectar early, early in the spring, like willows or crocuses. ” she said. “When bees emerge from their sleep in the winter they are desperately looking for food. All the insects that need to feed will feed off those plants.”
As well, she said it’s important to make sure there is a steady supply of flowering plants right through the summer and into the late autumn, because bees can remain active until November.
“You want to plant things in succession. There are some flowers and shrubs that flower really late into the year,” she said. “You want to be able to carry the bees through.
Her pick for a favourite bee food?
“They really love the blackberry flowers,” she said.