WHATS THE BUZZ?

I’m sure you have heard the “buzz” by now that our world’s number one pollinator, the bumble bee is in danger of becoming extinct.  Between 1976 and 2006 there was a dramatic decline in the wild bumble bee’s numbers.  Now, in 2015, bumble bees are all but gone from existence.   Toxic chemicals, global warming and disease are wiping their population out.  Why should we be concerned? Well, for starters, these fuzzy creatures are the primary mechanism for healthy and wipe spread pollination of our crops.  Without the assistance of bumble bee’s, our world food supply could be in jeopardy.  There are many ways to help preserve the population.  By understanding the effects of a toxic environment on a bees lifespan and the role bees play, we can begin to raise awareness of their plight.  It is critical to build the bee’s numbers up and it starts with each one of us. How can we help improve the plight of the bumble bee?

1. Be as organic as possible in your home garden and landscaping.  Many experts believe that the declining population is due to pesticides and chemicals farmers are using on their crops.  Chemicals on your lawn and garden can damage a bees internal organs.  These chemicals can be especially harmful if applied during the flowering process.  In this case, the harmful chemicals get into the nectar and the pollinating bee will bring it back to the hive, where the toxins get into the honey. 
2. Buy organic food and raw honey from local farmers.  A huge challenge for bee keepers is to keep their bees far enough away from chemical sprays.  To be considered truly organic honey, the bees must be 3 miles from any environmental toxins. 
3. Bees get thirsty.  Provide a small basin of water in your yard to quench the thirst of the little guys, especially in hot summer months. 
4. Understand that bees aren’t out to get you.  Bumble bees are vegetarians.  Wasps are not.  Know the difference between the two species.  Wasps are attracted to your food, like lunch meats and proteins.  To avoid getting stung, stay calm.  If a bee lands on you, it may just want to check you out.  Bees can smell the pheromones associated panic and fear and may sting just based on those chemical reactions to their presence. 
5. Plant bee friendly flowers and flowering herbs in your yard and garden.  Provide bees with a natural habitat to help sustain the population.  Spring: Lilac, lavender, sage, verbena and wisteria.  Summer: Mint, squash, tomatoes, pumpkin and sunflowers, oregano, poppies, black-eyed susan and honeysuckle.  Fall: Fushia, mint, sage, verbena, and toadflax. 
6. To help the fight against harmful pesticides, please reach out to PAN North American.  PAN stands for Pesticide Action Network.  Click here for more information.  http://action.panna.org/p/dia/action/public/?action_KEY=5370

BUY ORGANIC!

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Flight of the Bumble bee - pollinating a flower

The Basics of Spring Clean Up

 Usually by now, old man winter is saying his goodbyes, but snow storms, ice, and frigid temperature are gave new meaning to the phrase “March comes in like a lion”.   March typically kicks off the official “spring frenzy” when homeowners start to look at the mess outside and think “oh my god, where do I start”.  Even though these thoughts may be pushed off a bit due to a chilly start to March, the need for spring planning and clean up should still be something you have started to think about.  Overwhelmed? Procrastinating? Paying off the plumber for the burst pipes he fixed?  Well, basic spring cleanup doesn’t need to cause stress or break the bank.  Here are a five steps that will help kick start your spring season. 

1.      Survey your outside area.  Are you happy with your perennials, beds, garden and trees?  How about hardscaping?  Is there anything you would like to change in the upcoming season?  Now is the time to begin planning any new landscaping designs. 

2.      How did your trees and shrubs handle the winter?  Prune any trees and shrubs that have suffered damage from the harsh winter.  Pull up any old annuals and trim your perennials back to allow for fresh growth in the new season. 

3.      Wait for a nice day and start general clean up.  Rake out any leaves that have collected in flower beds, around bushes and around the house foundation. 

4.      How did your grass do sitting under all that snow?  Any turf that didn’t survive needs seeding. Once the soil has dried out enough, you can turn over the grass and soil to get ready for laying down the grass seed.

5.      Clean up your outdoor furniture and evaluate your outdoor cushions and pillows.  Do they have stains or mildew from winter storage? Dish washing liquid mixed with a gallon of water can do wonders. 

Although basic and seemly obvious, these 5 steps are the keys to getting yourself ready for the fun stuff!  Seasonal plantings and gardening are next on the list as we move into the warmer temperatures.