Q. Last year I had a swarm of honeybees gathered on my maple tree. They flew away within a few hours. I know honeybees are beneficial insects, but I was also worried about my children and dog playing in the yard. What should I do if this happens again?

A. Swarming is a natural process of reproduction at the colony level. The queen will take half of the hive with her and exit on any warm, windless day, usually between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. in May or June. Many reasons exist for this behavior. Bees in a swarm are usually quite gentle. Before leaving their old hive, they engorge themselves with honey, which seems to contribute to the gentleness. Another reason for their gentleness might be that they do not have a home to guard. The Northern Colorado Beekeepers Association removes swarms as a community service (fortnet.org/NCBA). The 2008 President of NCBA, Beth Conrey, Bee2Apiary@q.com or 532-0329, can direct you to a swarm collector. The Larimer County Extension office also has a list of beekeepers willing to collect swarms: 498-6000.

Q. If I want to plant a wild flower garden from seed, how do I know what wild flowers are in the mix?

A. The term wildflower does not necessarily mean that such plants are native to our area. Native mixes are available and many seed mixes are adapted to specific site conditions. Always check the “ingredients” listed on the container prior to purchase. Wildflower seed mixes sold in the garden section of national retail stores may contain Colorado noxious or invasive ornamental weeds. Be aware that although it is unlawful to sell these plant materials, it is still possible to purchase seed mixes containing noxious weeds, such as oxeye daisy and Dame’s rocket at many chain outlets in Colorado. For more information see Fact Sheet 7.233, “Wildflowers in Colorado.”

Q. I seem to have color and texture in my garden, but I want more fragrance. What plants are best for fragrance?

A. A fragrant garden will also attract a host of pollinators: bees, butterflies and hummingbirds. Agastache and lavender are sun-loving favorite perennials that prefer ‘lean,' well-drained soils. Other plants that grow well in lean soil include dianthus, chocolate flower (truly smells like chocolate—especially in the morning), hyssops and salvias. Additional perennials include candytuff, wallflower, four o’clock, evening primrose, Dame’s violet, forget-me-nots, and bee balm. Annuals planted in pots provide fragrance in out-of-door living areas; sweet peas, stock, nicotania, miniature carnations, zinnia and sweet alyssum.
A few tips to consider are combining scents from a diversity of plants, using groundcover to sit or walk upon, placing fragrant plants near walkways and paths where they will be touched and growing fragrant plants near windows or doors simulate the senses. Visits to nurseries with outdoor plant selections will find honeybees and native bees rounding up nectar on fragrant blooms. Remember to follow your nose. For more information read Fact Sheet #7.405, “Herbaceous Perennials,” which explains bloom period, flower color, height, foliage texture and environmental requirements.

Gardening and Insect Fact Sheets are available on-line by clicking HERE.

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This page updated:  August 4, 2008