Hello all...
 
I am a "newbee" who will be starting my first hives (Buckfast) in the
Spring here in Northern California (northeast San Franciso Bay area).  I
will be putting the hives in my backyard, which isn't very large.  Even so,
I have a pretty nice garden, and have taken a great deal of care in
selecting plants that will attract bees, butterflies, hummingbirds, etc.
 
There are a lot of interesting plants in our area (we have star thistle not
too far away on the local hills, and I hear that makes great honey), but
since I don't have acreage of any kind, I was wondering what I could put in
my backyard (or front for that matter) that would be a good nectar source
for my bees.  I already have a nice herb garden that was well worked by
honeybees this summer, especially the oregano and lavender.  Interestingly,
the anise hyssop and borage didn't attract any honeybees, only bumblebees
and carpenter bees.
 
I read in this month's American Bee Journal that the shrub/tree Vitex
negundo was a great choice for beekeepers short on space.  However, I can't
seem to find a source for it.  Anyone have any ideas?  Apparently, it is
easily grown from seed, but I'd be interested in a grower I could buy a
tree from.
 
I am planning on putting in a bunch of raspberry plants, which I understand
bees like (besides, I love raspberries!).  I already have blackberries and
boysenberries planted, and plan to put in more (especially on the other
side of the fence behind where my hive will be).
 
I have a Meyer lemon tree that was well-worked by carpenter bees this year,
as well as a blood orange tree.  Do honeybees forage on rose bushes?  I
have an eglantine (sweet briar) rose that the bumblebees went nuts over
this year... was wondering if honeybees would go for my roses as well.
 
Would a basswood tree do well in my area?  Any other ideas to give my bees
lots to have fun with in my yard (and a little honey for me)?  I looked in
"The Hive and the Honey Bee" where they have a section on bee forage, but
it was a little too dry to glean information from, at least for me.
 
I have subscribed to the Bee-L for over a year now, and have appreciated
the discussions and information I have received.  I have especially enjoyed
Andy Nachbar's wit and wisdom, and the willingness for people to be so
helpful with those of us new to beekeeping.  (The only thing I don't enjoy
are the occasional "flame fests," but then, I just hit the old delete key
on those...)
 
Thanks in advance for your help!
 
Mary Caldwell
Benicia, CA
A new beekeeper in '98!
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