Habitat assessment by RedIteX9 | The Great Sunflower Project

Assessment results

Answer given	Our 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.
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.
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?: No	Clean your nest block. You can just run a stick in each hole. This will reduce parasitism.
What is the main type of vegetation in the area you are evaluating (park, garden, yard, farm...)?: Mix of native and non-native plants	Increase the amount of native plants in your yard.
How much of the whole yard, park, farm or green space is garden space or wild/natural vegetation?: Some. Between 21-40%.	Consider expanding your gardens and wild spaces and reducing your lawn.
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?: A lot (51-75%)	Consider supplementing your garden with some native, pollinator friendly plants and converting some lawn!
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?: 7-9	Add 2-3 more fall flowers to support fall bees.
How many flowers in your garden bloom in summer?: 4-6	Add 2-3 more types of summer flowers to support summer bees.
If you use pesticides, do you avoid using neonicotinoid pesticides?: No.	Consider using something less toxic to bees.
Does the garden use herbicides?: Yes.	Consider reducing your herbicide use and be sure it is an herbice that is not toxic to pollinators.
How many different pollinator counts will your contribute this year?: Five or more.	We'd love to see pollinator counts from any of the plants in your garden as many times as you can contribute. Thanks!
What time of day are pesticides applied?: Pesticides are sometimes used during the day	Reduce your pesticide use and consider spraying only at night.

Score: 181 (out of a possible 210)

California Native plant habitat. Plant list: Western Redbud, Ceanothus 'Ray Hartman', Baja Fairy Duster, Indian Mallow, Gum Plant. Cleveland Sage, Wholly Blue Curls, California Poppy, Blanket Flowers, Mexican Bush Sunflower, Bee Bliss Sage, Red Sage, DEERGRASS . Many plants and trees throughout propert. Bee blocks facing Southeast direction and bamboo bundles bee home.

Which garden or space are you describing?:

SueBa

How large is your yard?:

150.00

square yards

Are there areas with sandy loamy soil?:

Yes

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

Are there areas with pithy twigs (elderberry, cane fruit, sumac, etc…)?:

Yes

Do you have native bunchgrasses?:

Several areas or one large area.

Are there bee nesting blocks?:

Yes

Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:

Yes

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

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

Are pesticides used in the garden?:

Is pesticide use avoided when flowers are in bloom?:

Pesticides are use only when there are no flowers in bloom

Is the drift of pesticides controlled?:

Pesticide drift is controlled.