Thanks to my grandfather’s beekeeping skills, local honey was a normal part of growing up. Call it the privilege of childhood, but it literally never occurred to me this was a luxury. I simply had no idea most people didn’t have access to “fresh from the honeycomb” honey. These days I really wish I’d paid better attention to all that beekeeping business. How amazing would it be to have my own little backyard hives, instead of paying a fortune for a small local jar of golden goodness? Not that I’ve ever regretted (or will ever regret) supporting local and small businesses, but being spoiled up through age 12 leaves its mark. Now my vision board is home to the cutest beehive pics I can find. Thanks Pinterest.

Unfortunately the dream of my own personal honey brand will have to wait a bit longer. Following our recent adoption of a lop-eared bunny, 4 chickens and a cat, my husband has firmly drawn the line at backyard beekeeping. Which is why I’m now planning our next move to an adorable farmhouse with at least 15 acres of land. Of course this probably means I’ll need a bigger vision board.But enough musings about my honey-filled future and on to the reason for this post…the actual bees!

As you’ve no doubt heard, the bees are in trouble and have been for some time. Our overuse (and just plain use), of pesticides have stripped the bees of their environment; placing bees on the endangered list in many parts of the world. When I first learned this was happening I was concerned, but it didn’t really get my attention until I had to hand pollinate ALL of my cucumbers, zucchini and squash this past summer. That’s when I finally realized this was a problem that concerned each one us, from the commercial farmer whose family has spent generations plowing the land to the backyard wannabe (me).

So how can we each can do our part? Glad you asked!

STEP #1 is super simple.

• Plant flowers so the pollinators (aka bees, butterflies and hummingbirds), have a reason to hang out in your backyard!

• Start by planning a visit to your local nursery and ask the staff to show you what grows best in your neck of the woods. It’s a great way to get expert advice and support small business at the same time. Plus planting native plants and flowers almost always guarantees a proliferation of gorgeous blooms.

STEP #2 is just as easy!

• Plant herbs and let them flower. Basil, mint and oregano are delicious in the kitchen, so plant some for harvesting and then let the rest keep growing. Before too long you’ll have the cutest purple and white blooms, plus your backyard will literally be buzzing. I promise the bees and hummingbirds will love you for it!

STEP #3 requires a little more diligence and patience…

• It all begins with reading the labels, specifically the back labels of all types of gardening and lawn products. I was shocked to find every product in my local hardware store had a warning on the back regarding bees. I left the store empty handed and ended up searching online for a non-toxic alternative. It’s sad a fact, but most products are not ecologically friendly to the smallest in our ecosystem, including the bees (and ladybugs).

• If you want a healthy, gorgeous backyard, then you should be encouraging a healthy ecosystem as well! Take the time and do your research. There are plenty of non-toxic options out there to give you the gorgeous blooms and veggie harvest you crave…without hurting our pollinators.

Garden planning season is currently in full swing at my house. I can’t wait to plant more of the eye-popping sunflowers I discovered this past year, but I’m also excited about the new trellis we’re installing. Currently dreaming about passionflower vines, creeping star jasmine and maybe honeysuckle too. That last one really brings back the childhood memories!

I’m already hearing the buzz of happy bees and the whirr of hummingbird wings. Now about those hives…