Pollinators are probably by far the most important part of a garden.. .without them... you will have no veggies, fruits, flowers, and the list could go on and on... with the scares about Africanized Honey Bees and the major decline in domestic honey bees, what are we left with? MASON BEES!!! Keeping mason bees is a simple way to ensure you have pollinators for your crop every year.
So what are Mason Bees?
Mason Bees (Osmia lignaria) also called Blue Orchard Bees are a gentle beneficial insect that is perfect for pollinating fruit trees, veggie gardens and flower patches. These bees are NON-AGGRESSIVE and will only sting if handled roughly or if they get caught under clothing. The females will nest in existing holes that are slightly larger than her body - once she fills that hole with nectar and pollen, she'll start laying eggs. A female Mason Bee will only live for a month or so but can lay 2 eggs a day (if given enough nectar). Those eggs will stay in their holes during the winter and will emerge in springtime - just in time to help pollinate the new crop!
So how can I get Mason Bees?
Mason Bees can be purchased within tubes ready to emerge for the spring at many beekeeping stores (typically I get them on-line) although it's too late for this season to get them - the cocoons sell up til February usually.
The Happy Gardener also sells Mason Bee houses (and a helpful book) that are easily attached to posts near your garden or orchard.
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