Products & Services

Bees &etc.

Mason Bees

Mason bees, also known as Blue Orchard Bees, or BOBs, are native North American bees. Like all bees they visit flowers for nectar and pollen and in so doing pollinate or fertilize the flowers. BOBs are very efficient compared to honey bees. They are reluctant to sting, are educational, and can be easily cultivated. If you are looking for fruit or berry pollination, BOBs could be a solution for you. Learn more about BOBs. Read about our bee products.

Supplies for BOB culture

BOBs are solitary. Females build nests in tubular holes about 5/16 in. (6.5-7 mm) in diameter. They can be found nesting in many human-made materials and it is easy to attract them to artificial nest boxes with many holes. Years of scientific research have shown how to get maximum BOB nesting. Nest boxes should be lined with removable inserts which are replaced each year so the bees always have clean nests. Read more about BOB cultivation with the straw insert system.

Pollination

Most fruit trees and berries require flower fertilization, "pollination" to form fruit. Insects perform pollination as they visit flowers for nectar or pollen. Bees are the most flower-dependent and best pollinators. Different bees are effective on different crops and in different situations. We manage our bees for their pollination potential, both honey bees in traditional bee hives and also solitary Blue Orchard Bees, which may be more suitable for small orchards or backyard gardens. If you have a pollination need, read more about what we offer.

Honey

Our honey bees not only pollinate, they make honey. We sell honey made by our bees from lowland blackberries, upland fireweed, and in some years from knotweed. Every nectar plant yields unique honey. Our honey is unheated and coarse-filtered. Read more about it.

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Science & Education

Scientific Illustration

One picture is worth 1000 words. A good illustration can transform a publication or a boring wall. We have been illustrating scientific articles and books since 1980. Our techniques include traditional pen & ink, computer graphics, traditional and digital photography. Need a picture? Check out what we offer.

Educational Exhibits

The next best thing to experiencing nature is to take in a good exhibit, and with effective interpretive information, you might learn more in a short time than you would in the field. We have been bringing science and nature to life in exhibits since 1996, including living and non-living displays. Have a look at what we can do.

Writing & Editing

We are scientists by training and have spent large parts of our careers writing science at levels ranging from lay to technical. We offer writing and editorial services for all types of biological media. You can check out a publications list here.

General Design

We solve problems with design! We have experience in devising efficient, attractive, and cost-effective solutions to problems such as storage in small spaces, security, and energy conservation. Have a look at our solutions gallery.

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