Visiting some Goldenrod
A few days ago a special visitor arrived in the mail. Barry the Bee! He has come all the way from Wisconsin, through Michigan, to visit us here in Missouri. He wants us to promote pollinators. So what did Barry do when he was here? He visited some native wildflowers that grow alongside the road to our home. Here are some photos of our adventure!
Looking down the road
At least 450 species of native bees live in Missouri.
Barry checking out some more Tall Goldenrod
Other animals and insects that we depend on for pollination are various species of butterflies, moths, ants, spiders, beetles, flies and bats!
The Bear helping Barry to see the White Heath Asters growing in this disturbed area along the road.
Plant native flowers! Native wildflower gardens require less watering and less soil amendments, so less maintenance. They also tolerate extremes in weather better.
Barry said the asters looked delicious.
In Missouri, some good flower species to start off with are grayheaded coneflower, golden Alexanders, leadplant, and purple prairie clover. These seem to attract a wider diversity of bees.
Barry and some Sweet Everlasting
Good Missouri native shrubs to plant are false wild indigo and wild plum.
Barry took a rest on some soft moss that also grows along the road.
Examples of plants that depend on bees to pollinate them are the bean family, the daisy family, the rose family, gentains, and more!
The Bear and Barry
So go native! Plant species of flowers that already grow in your area and you will have beautiful fields of flowers that are nutritionally sound for your bees and other pollinators. Plus you'll be feeding wildlife! Did you know blueberries, plums, serviceberries, buck thorns and ground cherries all depend on bees for pollination? They are also eaten by birds and other wildlife. We all depend on bees! Save the bees!
For more information about BarrytheBee, check out @kiaraantonoviche's post here.
All photos by @hethur240 using a Samsung WB1100F camera.