Most native bees are solitary nest makers and build their nests in the ground or in pre-existing cavities. Some early flowering plants that provide food for bees include CA Lilac ( Ceanothus sp.), Manzanita ( Arctostaphylos sp.), Wisteria ( Wisteria sp.), and Pride of Madeira ( Echium candicans). Bees have timed their emergence with the bloom of native flowers they prefer to forage on, but will also visit non-native ornamental flowers that may be in bloom at the same time. Some species emerge in very early spring, whereas others come out later in spring as well as in summer and early fall. Bees have seasonal emergence patterns, which means that different species emerge from their nests at different times of the year. Nectar and pollen are combined to form a “bee loaf” that females provide for their larvae to feed on. The pollen they collect is a protein and vitamin rich source which they will feed to their young. Adult bees feed on sugary nectar for energy. When we talk with gardeners about attracting native bees to their garden we stress the fact that bees need floral resources (pollen and nectar) all year long. Sunflowers also feed bees by providing them with nectar and pollen, and when the seeds form, many different birds can eat them. Birds are also common garden visitors and providing them with food can be easily done by putting up a bird feeder and planting flowers that provide seeds for them, such as sunflowers.
Hummingbirds also feed on small insects and you can often observe them eating them from spider webs in shrubs or trees. Feeders are also a good way to supplement their nectar needs, especially in months when there might not be much flowering. Hummingbirds are attracted to gardens that have nectar rich flowers like CA fuschia, salvias, and columbines. In the case of bees, flowers provide nectar and pollen. One of the best ways to initially attract wildlife to your garden is to provide food.
0 kommentar(er)
