Bolstering the local bee population: What you can do to help

Plant beneficials; if you purchase starts, be sure they’re grown without chemical fertilizers, herbicides or pesticides.

Bailey suggests growing “bee groceries” like catmint, lavender, borage, globe thistle, goldenrod, bee balm, chives, lemon balm, horsemint, sedums, anise hyssop and Joe Pye weed, to feed our local population.

BONUS: Most of these are edible and a delicious addition to salads or baked goods, or made into simple syrups for use in iced tea, cocktails or desserts.

Contact Bailey about swarms or established feral/ wild colonies located near homes or public places.

Leave some dandelions or thistles on your property for bees to feed on.

Install a backyard hive with a feral colony.

If you don’t have a backyard or garden, use planter boxes to grow beneficials.