Question for DU gardeners

[lillypaddle]

Have you had any experience with bee houses, and if so, do they work? theanimalrescuesite.com has them on sale for $15 and I just ordered 2 of them for gifts. I like the idea a lot, and of course anything bought from them helps feed and shelter animals. A worthy cause, right?

https://store.theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/collections/all/products/89289-wooden-mason-bee-house

I'd be interested in your feedback.

[Nay]

1. I've had a bee house on a fence post for about 3 years. Each year, about 7 or 8 holes

are used by pollinating insects of all kinds. They lay eggs and fill the hole (with dirt/mud). It's in use, so I assume it's helping!

[lillypaddle]

5. Very cool

they are gifts for my DIL and her mother, who are both REALLY into gardening.

[Easterncedar]

2. very interesting!

I'll look into it for myself. I love how many pollinators my small urban garden supports. The lawns on either side are so barren.

[FSogol]

3. We have two and they get used. We put them in the garage in winter and move them back out

in the spring.Put them in a place shielded from rain that gets morning sun with flowers close by.

If you are really concerned with pollinators, talk to your local nursery about flowers for pollinators. It varies by region, We planted coneflowers, lavender and a bunch of other plants especially for bees and butterflies. (Avoid butterfly bush, they are good for butterflies.)

[lillypaddle]

4. Thanks!

appreciate the input.