Last year (I think it may have been posted to this sub, and that's how I found it), NC State extension published a study that looked at when and how to cut perennial stems so that solitary bees like the carpenter bee can use them for laying eggs/winter protection:
"Garden Cleanup for Pollinators: Trim Perennial Stems in Their First Winter | NC State Extension Publications https://share.google/aCRK7aAiib98yFqZH"
I followed the directions, and cut the stems this past winter to the recommended height of my perennials.
After months of patiently waiting to see if anything came of it, I finally caught a glimpse of this little carpenter bee butt poking out of one of my Black Eyed Susan's stems! It was so cute hahaha. I just feel honored to have given it a home/passage through the winter
by Howardyoudoing95
4 Comments
Cuuute! I thought carpenter bees were big chonky guys? I know there’s loads of bee species and have some experience with solitary mason bees. Is there more than one sort of bee that fits under the ‘carpenter bee’ umbrella?
What is the recommended height to cut? I noticed a perfect oval hole towards the base of a small sunflower stem and assumed it may have been a solitary bee
Such a good reminder not to clean up and cut down your yard too early.
Is there any way you could give Cliff Notes on what I read at the link you provided? It confused me. (Which isn’t hard to do.)
Rude!!!