More mason bee Utube videos uploaded today.

I have uploaded a few more videos on Youtube today.  Three of my earlier uploads were without a voice.  This was corrected today.  I created these video clip to answer questions about mason bees.  One of the most common questions is about how to set out mason bees.  The video clip shows how to set out a container of cocoons into the nest whether there are small or large quantities of cocons.  If you have any suggestions about a topic for a video clip, let me know.

Utube videos by Beediverse

I have added two new video clips onto U-tube.  These describe what size mason bee homes you can start off with when you have a small garden or a small orchard.   The u-tube icons are on the top right hand corner of this blog.

Osmia californica- New Bee Product

This little mason bee Osmia californica, emerges soon after the early spring mason bee Osmia lignaria.  We have supplies of Osmia californica available for our customers  Click here for ordering your mason bees. 
This little bee uses smaller nesting holes and has chewed leaf material as its nest plug.  It will double the pollination season for your garden.  Each bee nests and pollinates for about a month.Click here for more details about Osmia Californica

Blogging and ideas from Rick Spence

I saw a very interesting article in the National Post today.  Rick Spence writes about blogs and what makes a good blog.  He writes that blogging was in its heyday 5 years ago and wanders if blogging has lost its 'mojo'.  He does not think so.  He writes that it is a great way of communicating with people who are interested in a company's products and expertise.  Rick includes a lot of ideas such as: writing on favourate topics, insider stories about products, stories about the industry, product development, product reviews, customer success stories, '...current issues rocking the industry...'. A lot of bloggers have given up because it is hard work. I agree that it is hard work, but feedback and ideas from people is always great.  Keep the comments coming and let us here about your success stories and ideas. 
Link to National post article "-Yes-a-blog

Viewing Box for Mason Bees

Because of customer demand we will have Viewing boxes/Observation boxes available this upcoming season.  This is a great teaching tool.

Viewing box closed and open showing the nesting tray.

Viewing box with open lid showing
nesting tray and cotton cover.

Open viewing box showing
cotton cover and entrance hole to box.

Open viewing box showing
wooden nesting  tray.

Web link Viewing box on our Beediverse web site

Saltspring Island Apple Festival-a day trip

It could be a day trip or even a weekend away.

I thought a few more details about the Apple Festival  would be in order.  It is such a fun day.  And what an experience. 
When you come to Saltspring Island, come either the day before or the early ferry from Victoria.  The first stop is Fulford Hall.  It is a grand old hall.  Perfect for such an occasion.  Hundreds of apple varieties will be on display.  If you have an apple variety and you wish to know what it is- check out all the varieties on display.  It is a bit dizzying, but stay focused.  Then there is a section where you can buy a piece of apple pie.  There is nothing new about apple pies, but these are very special.  Nowhere else can you buy a piece of apple pie made with a known apple variety!  Of course you will have to try 2 or 3 pieces!  Then there are various booths with things to eat or things for your home.  We will be at our Beediverse table and I will have a number of mason bee houses and other items such as Scoops available for sale.  Come to our table and say Hello.  Bring your questions.

After you have done the circuit of the Hall it is time to experience Saltspring Island.  You are given a map and locations where you can sample Saltspring Island apples and other goodies.  See you there.