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HOW TO GREEN YOUR HOME

Celebrating World Bee Day at Home

By Rosa Colucci

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May 13, 2024

World Bee Day is celebrated on May 20 each year. While it might seem strange, it was created for a serious purpose — to acknowledge the important role of bees and other pollinators in the ecosystem. There would be no flowers, or food for that matter — without them, and that is reason enough to celebrate them both in and outside of your home. 

Let’s start outside because your bees could use a little shelter. A Bee House is the perfect way to give native, solitary bees a place to rest and grow. They can be purchased for a few dollars at any garden center or even built from scratch. They attract solitary bees like mason, leafcutter, and miner bees. They are also up to three times more effective as pollinators and very docile. You will see an immediate improvement in your flower or vegetable garden in the first season. 

You can add some colorful perennials to attract bees including Bee Balm, purple coneflower, and Black-eyed Susans. 

On the patio, you can bring the bee vibe to life in your decor. Bring shades of yellow and black into your scheme with fabric paint for the cushions and bee stamps in various designs. Both can be purchased at your local craft store and are great projects to do with younger family members. 

Because we are about adaptive reuse, check out your online marketplace and Etsy for items to add to the space. 

Inside, this is a great year to bathe a space in yellow. You can go all in and start with the walls. Some shades that are sure to infuse the sunniest vibe without overwhelming you include “Man on the Moon,” OC-16 by Benjamin Moore, has an ultra-soft muted cast that is perfect in your entry. “Limitless” PPG’s Color of the Year (PPG1091-3) will bring a warm, sunny hue to your space and looks great on kitchen cabinets. While “Golden Hour” from Clare paint will drench your space in a golden sunset.

It’s always nice to add a soft compliment of bee decor on linens or tablecloths. Opt for natural colors with the simple graphic to keep the vibe from getting to kitchy.

Celebrate the bee harvest with some good, quality honey from your local farm stand. Just a little gives a richness to baked goods, sauces and pairs well with fresh cheeses on a charcuterie board. A little goes a long way to punch up the flavor.

Last but not least, I celebrate bees all year long with natural beauty products including brands from Burt’s Bees. You can’t go wrong with this reasonable line skincare, make-up available at stores everywhere. 

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Rosa Colucci is a regular contributor for The Green Voice