In recent years, honeybee populations have declined at an alarming rate. Scientists attribute the decline to a combination of factors including disease, mites, pesticides, and poor nutrition. This decline also affects other pollinators such as other bee species, butterflies, and moths. As many food crops are dependent on pollinators, this loss could have serious consequences on our food supply.

In our gardens, we can take a number of steps to attract and protect pollinators. Most importantly, plant a wide variety of flowering plants that will provide nectar from spring through fall. Secondly, limit the use of pesticides, especially insecticides. Lastly, provide a shallow source of water such as a pot saucer.

While weeds may seem unsightly to those wanting a manicured lawn, they do provide a protective place for pollinators to lay eggs, pupate, and feed. You may wish to consider leaving a small strip of weeds in your lawn.

The following bee-attracting trees, shrubs, and perennials are planted in our gardens:
  

Trees		Perennials
Acer rubrum (Red maple)		Agastache foeniculum (Anice Hyssop)
Cercis canadensis (Redbud)		Asclepsias spp. (Butterfly weed, milkweed)
Crataegus viridis (Hawthorne)		Aster spp. (Aster)
Ilex opaca (American Holly)		Borago officinalis (Borage)
Nyssa sylvatica (Black gum)		Echinacea purpurea (Coneflower)
Oxydendrum arboretum (Sourwood)		Echinops ritro (Globe thistle)
Prunus subhirtella (Cherry)		Eupatorium fistulosum (Joe-Pye weed)
		Geranium maculatum (Wild Geranium)
Shrubs
		Lavandula (Lavendar)
Buddleia davidii (Butterfly bush)
		Monarda spp. (Bee balm)
Clethra alnifolia (Summersweet)
		Nepeta faassenii (Catmint)
Viburnum dentatum (Arrowwood Viburnum)
		Perovskia atriplicifolia (Russian sage)
		Phlox paniculata (Phlox)
		Salvia nemerosa (Sage)
		Solidago rugosa (Goldenrod)
		Teucrium chamaedrys (Germander)