BFF with Honey Bees!
It’s been long standing that I am besties with honey bees. This is unlike my sister some people who freak the fuck out when ever honey bees buzz around. So, in an effort to over come any fear you may have with our flying farmers, here are a few tips on how to help save the bees:
1. Don’t freak the fuck out Embrace the Bees!
Bees truly don’t want to bother you, in fact, they don’t even want to be around you! If encountered by a bee, let it do it’s thing and they will fly away.
2. Plant More Flowers!
Well, duh! That’s an easy one! But really… if you have an unruly part of your garden that you have no clue what to do with, broadcast some wildflower seeds for the bees.
3. Leave More Flowers…
It’s hard for me not to dead-head right away, but it really does help to let your flowers fully bloom out before cutting them off. That way the bees get a few more days of pollen… which can lead to pounds and pounds of extra honey.
21 Responses to “BFF with Honey Bees!”
Botanically Belize
I was a runner as a kid. As in there’s a bee buzzing around me, and there I go running. As a gardener I’ve learned to get over it. There are bee’s all around me doing there work while I do mine. Once that is realized there is no more fear.
I never really had the fear of bees… but my sister goes crazy when she sees any flying bug! I mean crazy! Now that I think of it.. I should video her bee flip out and put it one the blog!
Oh Jenn, Do it! Doooo it!
Bees have never bothered me. Now wasps, that’s something else entirely. Been stung twice and would prefer they left me alone! This year, I’m seeing more great big Bumble bees, and have been enjoying them as they crawl right inside the Snapdragon blooms.
I’ve read that some people give off pheromones that attract or trigger wasps and perhaps even bees. I have often wondered if they don’t have certain learned instincts that are passed down from generation to generation. For example, if you stepped on their nest last year and were perceived in some way as being harmful to them perhaps the next generation will also consider you a threat.
Our grandson loves to “pet” bumble bees and we are rarely stung by any of the numerous honey bees, wasps, and hornets that inhabit our garden…but we also try our best to live with them rather than against them. It sounds crazy, but I really think that those who are afraid of bees get stung the most.
Helen:
Yes, wasps are a whole other story! But I adore bumble bees.. they are so sweet! I guess there have been added restrictions – but you used to be able to buy a box of baby bumble bees from planet Natural for like $50. They babies would grow and almost act like little pets in the garden. You can’t buy in Cal. but I’m sure you can else where.
Mike:
If you have never listen to the Radio Lab podcast you should! It’s a amazing and they discuss similar topics in science like what you are talking about.
I honestly don’t see why people freak out about bees. They just need to learn more about them. I agree on the flowers front, it’s basic. This year we didn’t have much planted and blooming when our Mason Bees emerged, so I left the weeds! I had various weeds blooming (and too much Myosotis which is now being systematically removed), but at least it gave the bees some options while we planted some more bee-friendly natives. Next year though, I’m hoping I’ll ‘need’ less weeds in the gardens
Coincidence. I noticed so many honey and bumble bees in the garden this morning. They are attracted to the lavender and lobelia but help out with the tomatoes.
Birds do it.
Bees do it.
Did you know bees can only “see” cool colors…. so they most love going for lavender and thyme flowers.
When I used to prune the 3 huge Ceanothus trees at *Purissima*, I’d be up on a ladder with my head just above the canopy and there would be literally hundreds of bees buzzing around me as we all did our gardening. That’s when I learned to coexist peacefully with them.
I love bees! Mind you I’ve never been stung either, but still. I’m hoping the dwindling populations recover and always love seeing them in my garden.
Awesome close up. Yeah, I have one buddy who does not do number 1 very well. It is a challenge to retrain him. Matti
Thanks Matti… I like to call this pic – “bee butt”.
Bees are wonderful. I find plants that I can plant specifically for the bees. Without bees, we would be in sad shape.
Thats good stuff you got on this blog. Been searching for details on this all around. Good work
A good friend of mine planted Salvia and sage at either end of her vegetable rows and the bees just love it. I think they know we come in peace and leave us alone. They are literally too busy to bother with humans. I have read that the smell of bananas is similar to a squished bee and that can trigger some aggression. I’ve never been stung by a bee but a wasp got me once. I plant flowers amongst my vegetables and its fun to see how quickly a bee can find them.
Come back to blogging why don’t cha? Your edginess is misses.
Misses?! What the heck.
Your edginess is missed. Geez.
Good luck on all your activity.
Maybelline: Thanks!! I’m in the hospital now … on ice chip duty… and getting a bit o’ bloggin’ done. xooxxo
Great advice! Most of my family members are terrified of bees. I have absolutely no idea what is wrong with them! I love ‘em like you do. The more the better and whatever I can do to help out.
Super post – and great domain by the way:-)