Home » Food & Drink » From Field To Table » Designing: don't forget the bees.

Designing: don't forget the bees.

© Bob Ewing

Well, we had our White Christmas, after all, not as much snow as previous years, but enough to cover the ground and decorate the trees and bushes. Although, the past two days have been cold, overall, it has been a warm Winter. The unusual weather has me wondering if this is just a natural cycle or a condition created by human behaviour. If it is natural, then there is nothing to be concerned about, but, if we are responsible, there may be.

I've just begun reading Tom Brown's "The Quest" I'd recommend it for anyone who is concerned about the possibility that we have significantly harmed Mother Earth and are looking for something that they can do to correct that harm. Brown's books are a good read for anyone who loves the Earth and wants to live in harmony with her and all her creatures.

Over the past weeks I have been talking about how you can design your garden so that you can achieve the maximum benefit from it for the least amount of work. The design process also enables you to create a space that lives in harmony with the Earth and does not drain Her. For example, when you are ready to amke your plant selections and know the amounts of sunlight, the type of soil and how much space you plan to commit to a garden then be sure that as you decide which plant goes where you remember the the pollinators. Those butterflies, birds, bees and other insects that make it possible for your plants to blossom and grow. Treat them right and they will help you produce healthy food and gorgeous flowers.

Orchard mason bees are solitary bees which do not sting and are ideal for pollinating fruit trees. They are ideal for the small plot and will pollinate flowers and vegetables as well as fruit trees. Bumble bees are a well-known visitor to the summer garden and work hard on your behalf during each visit.

Be sure to give some thought to those beneficial insects who will reduce, if not eliminate, the damage that the pests who love to raid unprotected gardens do. The beneficials will come if you plan for them. The following are some plant selections suggestions:

bees

butterflies

Remember that your garden can not only feed your family but help heal Mother Earth. Plan carefully.