Bees
Honey Bee Losses for Winter 2013/2014
According to the latest survey results from the Bee Informed Partnership, honey bees fared better this past winter than the previous winter. Commercial beekeepers reported losing 23.2% of their colonies over the winter of 2013/2014 versus a loss of 30.5% for the previous winter. This volume of loss is still not acceptable, however, with beekeepers in this survey reporting 19% as…
Read MorePraying Mantis Confidential
Most of us hold the Praying Mantis and other Mantises in high regard – highly beneficial insects in our landscapes, valued as voracious predators of insect pests. They are fascinating creatures that charm even those people who are squeamish about “bugs.” We have put Mantises on an “insect pedestal” wishfully thinking that they are protected by some state or federal…
Read MoreNative Cultivars vs. Native Plants & Their Attractiveness to Pollinators
As you start shopping for plants this spring, please emphasize regional native plants that support your local ecosystem. That sounds easy, doesn’t it? Well, it’s actually a bit more complicated. Sometimes the only native plants you can find are native cultivars, not open-pollinated, “straight species” natives. These native cultivars are often referred to as “nativars.” For those of you who…
Read MorePlanning Your Pollinator Garden: Native Perennials for Bees
As you plan your landscape this year, why not include a pollinator garden to help challenged bees? The truth is, a pollinator garden will attract and support many species beyond bees, and will also improve the overall health of your ecosystem. I suggest that you include signage in your pollinator garden (Xerces Society is one good source) and make a…
Read MoreGardening Differently This Spring With an Ecological Focus
As spring begins, gardeners and landscape pros take off like runners at the starting line when the gun goes off. Please pause for just a moment, and consider how you might do things a little bit differently in the landscape this year. This spring you can make a huge positive impact to the landscapes you design, install, garden or maintain. …
Read More“Wildlife Matters” Landscaping Conference at The Native Plant Center
The dramatic decline of many of our common species has been an environmental wake up call. The Monarch butterfly population is crashing, honey bees and many native bee species are experiencing record losses, and the 20 most common bird species have dropped by an average of 68% in the past 45 years (National Audubon Society). These iconic species are…
Read MoreIt’s Valentine’s Day: Show Honey Bees You Care!
Did you know that St. Valentine is the patron saint of beekeepers? Show honey bees and their keepers some love today. Start planning your pollinator garden for the spring! from Kim Eierman at EcoBeneficial! Photo: A beelicious cake Photo credit: Flickr_Greencolander (Michelle Tribe)
Read MoreExploring Native Plant Superstars with Dr. Doug Tallamy
Some native plants are true workhorses in the landscape providing a wide array of benefits to your ecosystem, while adding beauty to your landscape. One such terrific plant is Coral Honeysuckle (Lonicera sempervirens). There aren’t many native plants that bloom from spring through fall – this one does. While visiting with Dr. Doug Tallamy (author of Bringing Nature Home) in…
Read MoreLatest Research on Honey Bee Deaths: What Does it Mean for EcoBeneficial Gardeners?
A new research study was released this week that points to a variant of Tobacco Ringspot Virus as a possible culprit in the phenomenon known as Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD). The study was conducted by a group of researchers from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the Chinese Academy of Agricultural Sciences in Beijing, Emory University and the University of North…
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