Flowering Quince – Chaenomeles speciosa Your grandmother probably had a flowering quince in her yard.  They were popular cottage garden plants back in the day.  Turns out Grandma was right – flowering quince are top-notch for honey bees.   Positively “a Read More …

Corneliancherry Dogwood – Cornus mas This underutilized native can be grown as a multi-stemmed large shrub or single-stemmed small tree, growing 20-25’ x 15-20’.  The bright yellow flowers open on naked branches in March for a spectacular show!  The red Read More …

Flowering Crabapples – Malus species Honey bees came over with the colonists in order to pollinate the apple trees that were being planted. Crabapple is in the same genus as eating apples, making them irresistible to honey bees.  Modern Crabapple Read More …

MINOR BULBS Many of the minor bulbs bloom very early in the year and provide critical first pollen and nectar sources for honey bees.  Since they bloom before the trees leaf out and are very small, they can be tucked Read More …

Oakleaf Hydrangea – Hydrangea quercifolia This beautiful native shrub has a full, rounded shape.  The oak-like leaves start out dark green and turn a rich red to burgundy in the fall.  Older stems have exfoliating bark in light brown to Read More …

Mahonia – Mahonia species Two species of Mahonia are commonly grown in our area – the native, Mahonia aquifolium and the non-native Mahonia bealei.  Both have yellow flowers that open early in the season and although they prefer a moist, Read More …