How can we help the Honey Bees? 

  Many of you are aware of the decline and the demise of our Honey Bees. I'm sure you've seen reports by the media of CCD (Colony Collapse Disorder) and how thousands of honey bee colonies are being lost because of it. For more information on this subject and to watch the video click on Vanishing of the Bees  Honey bees are of great value to nature and mankind, the majority of plants depend on the animal kingdom for pollination.

   About one-third of our total human diet is derived directly or indirectly from insect pollinated plants of which 80% is accomplished by Honey Bees!

  Click on "Garden Tips-attracting bees" providedy by: Haugen-Dazs loves Honey Bees. For more information go to Pollinator friendly gardening, provided by Penn State Master Gardeners

Here are some suggestions on how you can help

• First support local beekeepers by purhcasing local Honey. See: Honey Laundering on our Home page.
  Support local agriculture by 'Buying Local' produce instead of products brought in from foreign countries.
• Curb you use of dangerous pesticides and herbicides. If you feel you must control some pesty insects in your lawn and garden practice Integrated Pest Management (IPM). Educate yourself on the toxicity levels of the chemicals you are using in and around your home. Always follow directions on the label when mixing! Many of these harsh chemicals can be potentially toxic to the environment including yourself, your children and your family pets. Look at life on this earth as NOT the perfect lawn, free of so-called weeds, but a balance of plants, animals & humans living together in a symbiotic relationship.
• You may want to start your own beehive! It really is quite easy. For more information on keeping bees contact our local group the:
  Lehigh Valley Beekeepers. For info on planting
  a "Bee-friendly" garden. You will not only attract honey bees but more species of butterflies. Below is a list of of  Bee-friendly plants to accent your flowerbeds and landscaping.

Asters

Calliopsis

Clover

Marigolds

Poppies

Sunflowers

Zinnias

Perennials

Buttercups

Clematis

Cosmos

Dahlias

Echinacea

English Ivy

Foxglove

Geraniums

Germander

Globe Thistle

Hollyhocks

Hyacinth

Rock Cress

Roses

Sedum

Snowdrops

Squills

Tansy

Yellow Hyssop

Blackberries

Cantaloupe

Gourds

Peppers

Pumpkins

Raspberries

Squash

Strawberries

Watermelons

Herbs

Bee Balm

Borage

Catnip

Coriander

Fennel

Lavender

Mints

Rosemary

Sage

Thyme

Blueberry

Butterfly Bush

Button Bush

Honeysuckle

Indigo

Privet

Trees

Alder

American Holly

Basswood

Black Gum

Black Locust

Buckeyes

Catalpa

Eastern Redbud

Fruit trees

Golden Rain Tree

Hawthorns

Hazels

Linden

Magnolia

Maples

Mountain Ash

Sycamore

Tulip Poplar

Willows