These recent super snowy days have led my imagination to the prospects of spring and the possibilities for setting up a spring garden. Aside from the gardening options, I’m excited about the possibility of creating a hospitable backyard habitat for some wilder critters for everyone’s benefit.
First, I intend to order a mason bee house and some mason bees. Mason bees aren’t colonial like European honey bees and they don’t sting unless actively provoked. Since they’re solitary, mason bees do not build hives. Instead, females lay eggs within a mason bee house and the new adults hatch from their cocoons the following spring. These bees are excellent pollinators, so your garden flowers will be pleased. And if all that isn’t enough to get you onto the mason bee bandwagon – mason bee houses make for a unique, attractive addition to any garden. They’re natural conversation starter, and with lots of funky designs on the market, you’ll be sure to find one that suits your style and budget.
Other guests I hope to invite to my yard this year are local bats. Bats are the ultimate natural insect deterrent as they will consume huge numbers of the evening mosquitoes that often drive us indoors on a beautiful night. Bat houses are usually constructed of cedar, though some are made of recycled materials. The shape of construction is most important; just make sure that the materials used do not contain insecticide as it can be harmful to the bats.
Finally, I plan to grow plants that attract native butterflies and birds. This information can be obtained from your local conservation organizations and online through this handy database. A garden of native plants requires less maintenance and requires fewer resources to keep it in its full glory.
Enjoy your spring planning!
