Mason bees could be the most remarkable insects in the garden. Native to most parts of the country, they are quite passive; the males have no stinger, and the females sting only when severely threatened. They are major pollinators; some say one mason bee does the work of 500 honey bees. Unlike honey bees that…

Bees are vital pollinators, and their role in maintaining healthy ecosystems cannot be overstated. In Minnesota, both native and non-native bees contribute to the pollination of plants and the production of food. However, native bees struggle more than non-native bees due to their specific nesting, food and habitat requirements. Currently, five out of the 23…

As the hot summer winds cool and leaves turn crimson and tangerine, a peak period of nectar flow begins. Nectar flow refers to a stretch of time when one or more major nectar sources are blooming – in this instance, right before our hardworking bees and butterflies prepare to hibernate or migrate. So how can…