A bee gathers pollen on Veronica in Colleen’s garden.

I saw my first bee of the season last weekend in my Bedford garden. It’s early May and my favorite pollinator is waking up now that days are longer and temperatures are hitting plus 10 F.

However, insects including bees, are still in diapause…a physiological state similar to hibernation. A few are waking up early but many are still sleeping…a good thing since there is little food available this early in the season.

For that reason, it’s best to delay your spring clean up until the daytime temperatures are consistently plus 10 degrees F.

If you are keen to get a head-start on your spring clean up, here’s how to get your garden in shape and protect overwintering insects in your garden.

This pupae or chrysalis has been left alone…and soon, an adult Monarch butterfly will emerge. Photo credit: Halifax gardener and horticulturalist Margaret Bailly.

Cut back perennial and sturdy plant stems (black-eyed Susan, echinacea, ornamental grass) and add them to the compost pile loosely. Any insects inside plants stems will be protected until they are ready to emerge. Native bees, in particular, nest in hollow plant stems; a loose pile of stems will allow them to wake up naturally and when food is available. If you can, create your own compost pile in which to dispose of cut stems, branches, leaf litter and debris. In the short term, it will allow you to loosely pile stems, branches and debris that house resting beneficial insects in spring. Over time, this organic matter will decompose to become rich compost.
Hold off on leaf clean up until the temperatures are consistently plus 10 F during the day. Then, watch for insects, cocoons, eggs and larvae and don’t disturb them. Too much leaf litter in plant root zones can lead to decay and affect plant health; it can also attract ticks and unwanted pests. Wet heavy leaves on the lawn can negatively impact turf health. Find the balance; be patient.
Many insects and pollinators overwinter in the soil; don’t mulch until the soil dries out and the weather warms up.
Prune woody perennials or shrubs carefully watching for cocoons or chrysalises. Branches with these delicate structures should be left intact until later in the season.

Many of us plant flowering shrubs and perennials for their beauty in our gardens. When we plant flowers we extend an invitation to flying insects including bees and butterflies to feed, nest and multiply in our garden.

Watch for nests, cocoons and overwintering insects. Providing a safe haven for pollinators who use these plants as a food source is key to their survival. A more mindful approach to spring maintenance will benefit them…and ensure we continue to enjoy their presence in our garden.

Enjoy this wonderful time of year. Take it slow…get to know your garden and the wonderful insects who call it home.