Habitat assessment by Jacqui D

Jacqui D's picture
Assessment results
Answer givenOur advice
Are there areas with bare ground and very few plants?: 
No
Consider increasing the amount of bare ground. Ground nesting bees are more likely to nest where there is bare ground.
Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?: 
No
Consider increasing the amount of sandy loamy soil. Ground nesting bees often prefer sandy loamy soil as it is easier to dig and drains well. Sandy loam is made up of 10-50% silt or organic matter, 50-75% sand, and less than 20% clay. So if you have 15% sand in your existing soil, you will need to add enough sand to make it at least 50%. If you have 30% clay, you will need to add enough of the sand or compost to bring that percentage down to less than 20%.
Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?: 
No
Add some plants that have pithy stems to your habitat. Cavity nesting bees spend their winters in the center of the stems of these plants.
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?: 
No
Move your nest block if it isn’t getting much use. Bees are more likely to find a nest block if there is a visual clue.
Does your nest block have less than 20 holes?: 
No
Create a nest block with fewer holes. This will reduce parasitism and make it more likely bees will use it.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: 
A lot. More than 40%.
You are doing a great job managing for pollinators!
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: 
Some (25-50%)
Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: 
Just one.
We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!

Score: 170 (out of a possible 210)

Which garden or space are you describing?: 
home
How large is your yard?: 
420.00
square yards
Are there low traffic areas where the soil is not turned over, tilled or plowed?: 
Yes
Are there areas dead wood, brush piles or snags present?: 
Yes
Do you have native bunchgrasses?: 
Several areas or one large area.
Are there bee nesting blocks?: 
Yes
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: 
Yes
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: 
Native wildflowers
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?: 
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in spring?: 
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 
10 or more
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 
10 or more
Are flowers planted in clumps?: 
Yes.
How much mulch is on the ground?: 
Some.
Is there fresh, clean water always available with a perch that bees could stand on and drink?: 
Yes
Does the garden use herbicides?: 
No.
Are pesticides used in the garden?: 
No