Give Bees a Chance: Creating a Bee-Friendly Garden

The Buzz About Bee Decline

Since 2006, honeybee hives essential for pollinating almond orchards, squash blossoms, and orange groves have been mysteriously failing. While the causes are still under study, gardeners can take meaningful action in their own yards to support bees—both honeybees and native species.

Tips for a Bee-Friendly Garden

1. Don't use pesticides.
2. Plant pollen-rich flowers—the more varieties, the better. Bees favor blue, white, and yellow.
3. Leave some bare soil—solitary bees nest in the ground.
4. Consider a bee box. Some species need nesting holes; try the Countryside Culture Mason Bee Block House ($22; Northwest Nature Shop; 877/482-3241).

Native Bees: Unsung Pollinators

The West hosts thousands of native bee species, from bumblebees to tiny sweat bees. Encourage them—and contribute to science—by joining the Great Sunflower Project. Get free seeds and help map pollination nationwide at GreatSunflower.org.