As we settle into summer, some beautiful visitors may be appearing around your neighborhood. Butterflies and bees are out and about, seeking nectar to eat and gardens to pollinate. With some investigation, you will be able to purchase the right plants and s to create a patio butterfly garden of your own; or maybe even help the cause of the endangered bee population. The additional of bee-friendly s to your front porches or back lanais will prove irresistible to these hard-working insects – and Al’s Florist can provide you with what you will need. 

Butterflies are an interesting and colorful addition to any summer space. With the right s in place around your home, you can attract these lovely creatures all season long. Butterflies are on a quest for nectar, so nectar-producing s are a must when creating a butterfly garden. Butterflies are especially captivated by the bright colors and nectar of asters, wild roses, goldenrod, daisies, and suns.

Another insect worth attracting is the industrious honey bee – which is critical to our global food supply, yet the population has been rapidly disappearing for two decades. In fact, it is estimated that nearly 40% of the honeybee population in the US alone has been decimated. You can do your part to help them thrive with the addition of several bee-friendly plants and s to your outdoor areas. Bees love hyssop, cones, and suns, and other summertime favorites include snapdragons, hyacinth, and wild lilacs.

Do You Want Bees in Your Yard? Honey bees harvesting nectar away from the hive rarely sting unless harassed or stepped on. Most bee stings occur when humans get too close to the hive. Still, if anyone is allergic or children are present, you may want to proceed with caution – and stick to butterflies!

Finally, if you are having trouble with pesky insects in your yard – plants are again the best natural answer! Herbs like mint, lavender, lemon grass, rosemary, and basil are wonderful for repelling a number of insects. Decorative s will also do the trick – chrysanthemums repel roaches, ants, Japanese beetles, ticks, silverfish, lice, fleas; marigolds are repulsive to aphids and mosquitoes; and beautiful alliums are especially useful in vegetable gardens, fighting against slugs, aphids, carrot flies and cabbage worms.

Let the floral professionals at Adrian Durban Florist provide gorgeous s and plants with a purpose – and let’s enjoy this Hollywood summer!