The Harmonious Relationship Between Honeybees and Humans
Every third bite of food that we partake of is dependent on worker bee pollination to bring it to the table.
Bees are one of the most important types of pollinators in agriculture and natural ecosystems, responsible for pollinating about one-third of all the food that we eat. Honeybees pollinate crops such as apples, cranberries, melons, broccoli, blueberries, cherries and almonds, to name just a few. This contributes over $14 billion to the value of U.S. crop production.
Simply defined, pollination occurs when pollen is moved within flowers or carried from flower to flower by pollinating animals. Without our pollinators, certain fruits, vegetables, wildflowers and trees would cease to exist.
That is why we focus so intently on supporting beekeepers and their hardworking hives. On sustainable practices and environmental protection. And on allowing for our sweet life to continue, for beekind and humankind.
Want to do your part for the bees and the environment? It’s easy: create a bee garden, where our little friends can forage in a safe and abundant environment. Here’s a sampling of what to plant and when:
- Early
- Blueberry
- Cotoneaster
- Crabapple
- Cranberry
- Crocus
- Foxglove
- Heliotrope
- Hazelnut
- Heather
- Primrose
- Willow
- Mid-season
- Blackberry
- Catmint
- Catnip
- Chives
- Dahlia
- Hyssop
- Lavender
- Raspberry
- Sunflower
- Yarrow
- Late
- Aster (perennial)
- Beggar's Tricks
- Borage
- Coneflower
- Cornflower
- Cosmos
- Goldenrod
- Pumpkin
- Sedum
- Squash
Sources: Mother Nature Network USDA - Pennsylvania Conservation Service David Suzuki Foundation