Backyard Bridge: Bees for the Future

I was noticing, yesterday that the beans Aaron planted in the backyard garden had planted had bees on them. It was a lovely scene with these tan colored bees going from one red flower to the next. In some areas it is a rare sight to see bees about their work of pollinating and collecting nectar. In fact bees missing from gardens had become a global concern.

Missing Bees

Over the past several years the bee population, world wide, has been in serious decline. Most countries have reported these declines with the United States and Australia experiencing significant loss. Beekeepers in the US have reported losing one-third to all of their bees due to a mysterious phenomenon known as colony collapse disorder. Canada has reported a 36% decline in colonies and a 10% reduction in honey production, over the last two years. This mysterious collapse may have several causes: infection; bee mites or colder temperatures. However, there is no conclusive evidence to any of these. In the mean time the bee industry and its associates are scrambling to slow the decline. Honey Maid, a Canadian company and Haagen-Dazs are promoting and sponsoring programs that they hope will contribute to an increase in the bee population. Genome B.C. has launched a 2.5 million dollar research program to determine strains of hardier bees. But there are ways that ordinary people can become involved.

How You Can Help

One simple and yummy way you can help is to buy a tub of Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Supporting this company enables them to promote “pollinator gardens”. A pollinator garden is one that is designed specifically to support the bees and their production of honey. For examples and a look at the 2008 design winner check the recourses below. A second way is in the garden. Plant a “pollinator garden” or at least plants that require pollination. By planting gardens that include such flowers as Coneflower (Echinacea), Black-eyed Susan (Rubeckia) or Bee Balm (Monarda) (if you need more suggestions, please email us) you encourage bees. A vegetable garden will also encourage bees. Finally, if you make a little blank space in your garden, especially if you have sandy soil you will encourage bees to built nests in your gardens. This idea may raise some concerns about nesting bees and stings. I have what most people call a bee allergy. If I get stung I could have an anaphylactic shock. The truth is I am allergic to hornets and wasps not bees and almost no one in the world is allergic to the honey bee. So, go ahead get growing and encourage those bees. It will be sweet of you!