Our Native Bees: January 2010 Newsletter

We've all heard the bad news that honey bees are quickly disappearing, but the good news is that our native bees – especially the Orchard Mason Bee (Osmia Lignaria) – are extremely efficient pollinators. Our goal is to spread the word that our 4,000 species of native bees are an excellent alternative to honey bees as pollinators of our food supply.   All they need is a little help from us by providing them with healthy nesting sites and habitats.

We've been working on our new web site for months, making it user-friendly and full of info that will help you raise happy, healthy Orchard Mason Bees. You'll find all sorts of info about our native bees, including how to attract them to your yard if you don’t have them, and how to manage them if you do. We also have a photo gallery full of gorgeous images, a 'bee blog' and – as of mid-February – an online store where you can purchase Native Bee houses that are both beautiful to look at AND provide the absolute best nesting environment that any native bee could dream of. (Yes, bees dream. I hope.)

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YOU are the people that this Newsletter is directed to. Okay, I know that this first issue also serves as an introduction to our new web site, but from here on the sole purpose will be to offer seasonal advice to those who already have Orchard Mason Bees, but are feeling a bit confused about what they should be doing when. And do any of us need one more thing to be stressed about?

I realize that all this new info can be a bit overwhelming at first, but that’s where this Newsletter can really help. Five times each year we’ll email you guidelines and tips (and only   if you sign up to receive the Newsletter) that will make your native beekeeping experience a stress-free breeze. Here’s      an example:

This Early Spring issue is to remind you that this is the time to:

• preserve your bee house with mineral oil so it lasts longer;
• install clean inner Nesting Straws in your Bee House holes so your spring bees have ‘clean sheets’ to nest in;
• and hang your Native Bee house in a warm, sunny (facing southeast or south) location so they are warmed by the first rays of the sun.

So, if you want to enjoy your bees and not feel stressed about managing them, be sure to sign up for our seasonal Newsletter.

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Then you're not alone. The national decline in pollinators has resulted in far fewer flowers, fruits and veggies in almost every garden, even though the plants are healthy. My yard was no exception, and that is what lead me to purchase my first Orchard Mason Bees seven years ago. The result was so stunning that my friends and family asked me to share my secret, and so began this empowering fascination with our native bees.

It's now nearly February, and the perfect time to begin planning for a better, healthier garden or orchard. Orchard Mason Bees are very calm, easy to nurture, entertaining to observe and they don’t sting! So visit our web site, and our online store (up and running by mid-February), if you’re interested in purchasing our beautiful native bee houses, dormant bee cocoons, or other native bee supplies. Or, if you live in northern Virginia, check out our list of local retailers who sell our Plan Bee Houses.

Thanks for your time!

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