This fall we all need to resist the urge to clean up and cut off our flower gardens. The seeds from the flowers will be a food source for birds and the stems are nesting sites for many of our native solitary bees. Next spring the stems can be cut to 15” and the solitary bees like leafcutters and masons will build their nests in the old stems that will then hatch the next spring. This is a multi- year process so be sure to always leave the stems, the new growth will cover the old stems so they are not seen. Native solitary bees are excellent pollinators for trees, shrubs, crops and flowers. The best sources are native flowers, trees and shrubs. They provide a complete diet for all pollinators, including honey bees. Another advantage is these bees do not sting and are very shy. You may not even notice them in your garden unless you look very carefully.