9 replies to this topic

[chnlisle]

I rarely mention things non camping on WTW.  By the Looks of how often this forum is used I'm far from alone.  But here's something Pam and I have been doing for a few years.  I hate long posts so I'll try to (I said try) to be economical.

 

Pam is a U of A Master Gardener so by osmosis I've learned a lot of good stuff.  I've learned a lot of bad stuff too one of which is the monumental loss (not just honey bees) of native polinators.  We have constructed large and small Mason Bee (they dont sting) houses for friends at our little spot on earth.  But one of the things we've been doing for years is wildflower Seed Bombs.  They're easy to make and a breeze to distribute.  They attract bees by the thousands.  Remember no bees, no peaches, grapes, water melon, and so on.  You get the picture.  You just drive down the highway and toss them out the window on vacant land.  POC!  You can pretty much use any wildflowers you want or a mix.  They can be had comercially but they're so easy to make why buy them.

 

http://www.instructa...ke-a-Seed-Bomb/

 

Here's a vid on large scale seed bombing;

 

And here are some bee habitats Pam made.

 

 Pam's SGH-i917_000308.jpg   93.61K   12 downloads  Pam's SGH-i917_000307.jpg   56.66K   12 downloads  Pam's SGH-i917_000339.jpg   73.39K   11 downloads

[Ted]

Jay,

 

Thanks for the info. We do a fair amount of veggie gardening and are adding more beds this year. I have hand pollinated some of the squash due to a lack of bees. Not sure I'm ready to go to having an actual hive yet (Barking Spider has). I would be interested in your bee houses to encourage bees to our area, though. Are Mason Bees something we have here near Sacramento? Or will they work for whatever bees we do have? If so, can you send me a link on how to build those?

[PaulT]

These sites looked interesting.

 

http://portlandnurse...masonbees.shtml

 

https://www.parentma...ps-for-families

 

Interesting insects and gives me another reason to dislike starlings.

 

Paul

[chnlisle]

Thx Paul. Good Info.

Buddy Teddy,
I would bet there are Mason Bees in Sacto. In Sacto as well as many other places bees have been suffering hive loss at alarming rates but here's a good guy to contact for info in Sacramento.

BTW fellow WTWers I'll be at ATC around the 5th. Better date info in a week or so. If you have the time stop by. We could have a group hug and picture?

[chnlisle]

 bee house.jpg   28.54K   3 downloads   masonbeecan.jpg   65.93K   3 downloads   log.jpg   17.03K   3 downloads

Bio "D" paper tubes                          Pork&Beans can and bamboo               firewood

 

 condo.jpg   70.52K   3 downloads

Condo

 

Fancy isn't required!  It's so easy to make Mason bee house I don't know why every gardener, once they understand how important native pollinators are, don't just make one and see if it will attract a colony.

 

Native Orchard Mason Bees are widespread throughout North America. They are superb early season pollinators of fruit trees, strawberries, raspberries and blueberries well you get it.

 

Masons' are active in colder temperatures and their hairy bodies carry more of the pollen. Each female  makes her own nest in a series of tubes she seals with mud. They are useful, small and docile-and they hardly ever sting unless severely provoked. In nature, female mason bees lay their eggs in hollow plant stems, insect holes, dead trees, even under house shingles. Finding such places is hard work! By building your own "house" you provide an easy, ready-made home for the bees until they "hatch out" the following spring.  when the bees hatch and leave you just clean the house and wait till next year.  Doesn't get much simpler.

 

They will repay your kindness by pollinating your early spring fruits and berries. And, they like company. Once the nest kits have been discovered, they'll tell all of their friends! 

[ski3pin]

BTW fellow WTWers I'll be at ATC around the 5th.  Better date info in a week or so.  If you have the time stop by.  We could have a group hug and picture?

 

Waist deep in muddy water around here, but maybe? Keep me posted. The Lady does like to send down homemade cookies to the guys.......................................................

 

Confirming, Nov 5th?

[ski3pin]

...............................................and gives me another reason to dislike starlings.

 

 

Don't get me started on invasives...........................

[PaulT]

The Eurasian Collared Doves seem to be the fastest growing invasive population here. Well, other than the brown marmorated stink bug that seems to be having a population explosion in northwest Oregon this year. And I heard a lot of bullfrogs this summer.

Paul

[chnlisle]

Waist deep in muddy water around here, but maybe? Keep me posted. The Lady does like to send down homemade cookies to the guys.......................................................
 
Confirming, Nov 5th?

Mmmmmmmmmmmm. Coooooooookies! Bring her with. It's about time.

[K6ON]

Always up for a group hug from you Jay ..See you on the 5th.