We figure at this point that in our bee hives at home, we are up to at least 50,000+ bees. Each week it takes longer to inspect the hives and is much more difficult to spot Bee-atrice and Phoe-bee, our resident Queen Bees. And with such an increase in population, watching the bees has gotten better than ever. We’ve moved our morning coffee spot to a shady area just out of the flight path of the hives, and it really is mesmerizing to just watch them zip back and forth.

But we’ve had another visitor lately. A little green, metallic, shiny bee. Every morning and evening she pays us a visit. We’ve never seen more than one at a time, always just a lone little bee. And we noticed her, not just because of the shimmery color, but because she is way louder than the honeybees and has a different way of hovering. She is keen to inspect everything from flowers to people, and the funniest thing that she does is try to peek into the beehives. It almost looks like she is a secret spy, in disguise, trying to sneak in. I guess metallic green isn’t the best way to sneak up on 50,000 bees, but she sure is trying. Every now and then she hovers near the opening to the hives and nudges closer and closer but always turns away at the last minute. There are moths, beetles, and robber bees that will sneak into hives to take honey, but I don’t think she is a villain, just curious.

We think we identified her as a Augochloropis metallica, a species of sweat bee native to Florida. Honey bees always get the attention, but did you know that there are hundreds of native bee species in our area that are important for our native plant species? These native bees include sweat bees, mason bees, and bumblebees, and while they don’t make enough honey for humans to eat (many do make honey, but only enough for their smaller colonies), they are great at pollinating fruit trees, veggie plants, and many of our native wildflowers, grasses, shrubs, and trees. Without them, well, Florida wouldn’t be the land of flowers!

So as you are planning your next landscape project, consider adding in some of Florida’s beautiful native plants. The variety of flower colors, bloom sizes, and leaf texture will amaze you and make your garden the perfect place for our native pollinators. My favorites include Beautyberry (the berries are gorgeous right now!), Twinflowers, Tropical Sages, Native Blue Porterweed, and Pineland Heliotrope; of course, there are lots of other options, too. The more natives you plant in your yard, the more bees, butterflies, and native pollinators like our little metallic green bee you’ll find calling your garden home.

P.S. As summer season winds down and we move into August, we’re bringing experiences and events to the Nursery for you to enjoy, continuing through the fall and holiday season. This weekend is Yoga in the Garden, followed by Spellbound Sourdough’s Pop-Up Shop on August 17, and Plants & Pets on August 24. Mark your calendars and join us!