You Asked for It
I’ve been watching and trying to figure out when the flowering bulbs in the front lawn would be a peak. It started a week and a half ago with the early blooms in lavender, light blue and even some soft pink crocuses. About a week later the late ones started to emerge in their shades of dark purple. The same day, I noticed a mini daffodils as well. I decided yesterday was peak, the early blooms are starting to fade and a good number of daffodils were in bloom. I found myself taking photos to share with you since you all asked to see it at peak. Here’s what my front lawn looked like yesterday.
You may think I planted these because I love crocuses. They do look lovely, but my main reason for planting them was for the bees. Crocuses are one of the earliest sources of pollen and my lawn is abuzz with honeybees madly collecting pollen as an early spring meal. I’m happy knowing that I’m giving them a better chance of survival with an early source of food.
Have you spotted any honeybees in your garden yet?
Filed under Around the Garden | Comments (20)
That looks amazing! Great idea to attract the pollinators!
It would never work here, as we cut our grass year-round. What a beautiful sight to wake up to every day!
Thanks for the sneak peek!
to daisy's comment
Unfortunately, Downeast Maine still has some snow and ice. The forecast for balmy weather hitting 60 tomorrow will hopefully change that and we too can enjoy the beginning of spring.
to Jennifer Fisk's comment
They are all over my blackberry bushes!!
to Fawn's comment
Last weekend there was honeybees flying around checking out my yard. I was so excited to see them, hope it stays warm enough for them to be okay until real spring starts around here in april/may.
to Amber J's comment
Its beautiful Susy, would love to do this in my front yard!
to connie's comment
No honeybees yet,but very soon I suspect. Love all the flowers! Every year I say I am going to plant crocuses in the fall and I never do. I have daffodils but they’re in a bed. They look so pretty and natural in the lawn. Maybe this fall….
to Kathi Cook's comment
How pretty!! All your hard work paid off so well. I haven’t seen any honeybees,but lots of wasps and a yellow jacket or two.
to Darlene's comment
…No I haven’t and I did not know that regarding crocuses and bees – thank you for that lil’ tidbit of info’ as I will definitely be planting more crocuses. :o)
…And btw Susy, that looks absolutely lovely! I adore your mini daffodils too. So happy your yard looks!
…Enjoy your day!
…Blessings :o)
to tj's comment
Absolutely gorgeous and so rewarding to see those bees having a nice meal :) I’m also giving a lot more thought to providing food for pollinating insects in my garden this year.
to Sherri's comment
My bee’s made it through winter and have been all over the flowers!
to Jay Miller's comment
Hmmm. You learn something new every day. I’ll be sure to plant more crocuses for next season. Looks lovely.
to Jess's comment
Awesome! Your yard looks great!! I think my crocus are at their peek this week.. There are still some late bloomers that havent joined the party yet.
I didnt know that either regarding the bees. Good to know. I’ll keep my eyes open for any of the little honeys..
It is absolutely gorgeous out there today at 75° and sunny with no clouds in the forecast until later tonight… Yeah!!
to KimH's comment
Yes. I saw some just a little while ago on the purple deadnettle in the yard. (It’s a plentiful weed that I was just thinking needed mowing, but the longer I procrastinate, the more the bees can enjoy it.)
I saw an insect on my pear blossom, but didn’t get a close enough look to ID.
In my area, fall mustard and fall turnips left to seed will make a wonderful attractant for honeybees. Daddy says the honey they make from turnips and mustard blooms makes a great-tasting honey. I have planted crimson clover for the bees before, but they seem to prefer the turnip blooms even to the clover blooms.
to bonnie's comment
The lawn looks great! What variety of daffodil is that?
Our bees are out in full force, since pretty much all the trees are in bloom right now. But really, we’ve been seeing them since February when the maples and aconite bloom. Have you thought about aconite in your lawn?
to Corrie's comment
I haven’t though of aconite, I’ll have to add it as I’m always looking for more species for a mixed lawn. We have a good crop of white clover I’ve managed to get established and tons of violets as well. I’d love some mini daisies too.
The daffodils are: Little Gem and Small Talk purchased in bulk from Van Engelen
to Susy's comment
Your lawn looks lovely with all the flowering bulbs :) Yes we have seen some honey bees which is good news as they probably came from our hives :)
to Mich's comment
How lovely! I haven’t seen any bees yet, but I saw some kind of unfamiliar butterfly flying through a few days ago.
to Corner Garden Sue's comment
How spendid! I have heard of planting the yard with crocus – mainly because it won’t be mown anyway until the actual leaves start to die back… in this ingenious! Maybe when I do some dividing I’ll spread the love into the lawn…
And the bees! The bee’s! I don’t have honeybee’s, but I do have native mason and bumblers… and sweat flies already! It’s been graciously warm, and everything’s going out and enjoying the food… I’ve even spotted some Cabbage White butterflies… [I know they’re bad for brassica, but they’re BUTTERFLIES!!!]
to Donna B.'s comment
I def have bees in my garden…I lost one hive only so I am covered up with bees!
to warren's comment
I just did this to my back yard! I can’t wait to see it in the Spring! :)
to Alley's comment