I have two 8x4x1 raised bed gardens with an arc connecting them. The arc has cypress vines growing on it at the moment. I have planted honeydew, Bok choy, okra, marigolds, zinnias of a wide variety, sunflowers of a wide variety, lavender, rosemary, cilantro, chives, oregano, parsley, thyme, and basil for now. All materials used have been organic and I use ladybugs as my pesticide along with housing mason wasps to keep the caterpillars at bay. There are a few water dishes with pebbles in them I refresh every day along with my drip irrigation system the bees seem to know the schedule of when they come on which is impressive.
Which garden or space are you describing?:
How large is your yard?:
7.11
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
Are there bee nesting blocks?:
Yes
Is your nest block near a landmark like a rock?:
Yes
Did you clean or replace your nest block in the last two years?:
Yes
How much of the garden is planted with flowering annual or perennial plants (including shrubs, vegetables and trees)?:
Most (more than 75%)
Are the flowering plants that you have pollinator friendly?:
Most (more than 75%)
How many flowers in your garden bloom in fall?:
10 or more
Are flowers planted in clumps?:
Yes.
How much mulch is on the ground?:
None.
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