The Gardens on Spring Creek

  Mason bee carrying mud to nest.  Photo from crownbees.com What’s Buzzing:   Mason Bees by Lydia McCracken, Propagation Intern, Gardens on Spring Creek To gardeners, the first welcome signs of spring might come from the blooms of crocus or grape hyacinth.   But for these plants, one the most welcome signs come from the unsung heroes of spring – mason bees.  Tucked away over winter in their mud and clay nests they were eating, growing, resting for the early work that must be done. As daily temperatures reach 55 degrees, this hero is springing into action and has already been spotted at the Gardens on Spring Creek!  Mason bee entering cavity nest to unload pollen. Sealed cavities are complete nests with multiple brood cells. Mason bees are a non-aggressive solitary bee belonging to the genus Osmia . They get their name from the masonry work they use building their unique nests. Although their appearance varies from species to species, they are often a metallic green, blue or blacki