Honey Habitats

Wildflowers abound among the Island's stonewalls, roads, wetlands, meadows and even on the beach. September is the most spectatcular, both visually and bloom wise.

If you don't spray or over weed whack, you'll provide the perfect habitat for the bees' favorite food: goldenrod, asters and blackberry. Monarchs fatten up in the fall on goldenrod, too, before they migrate to Mexico and islanders and visitors alike fill their bellies with blackberries. We all win with less.

Recipe for Wildflowers

Preserve open space. Mow once in late March. Watch the blooms of thistle, goldenrod, asters, chicory, milkweed and more emerge. Observe butterflies and bees as they forage the fields for nectar and the birds as they seek seeds. Enjoy!!!

Beach 'N Blooms

Seaside goldenrod (Salidago sempervirens) can survive the harsh conditions on the faces of dunes and bluffs, the beach and even down town beween sidewalks and storefronts. Succulent and salt resistant, these fleshy flowers are as hardy as any crusty "year rounda" and the bees love them!

Remember to tread lightly, leave no trace, carry-in carry-out and keep an eye out for the goldenrod when you go to the beach.

Island Byway

A mixture of goldenrod and asters adorn this driveway with their yellows, golds, purples, and whites. The owners have a glorious entry way and the bees and butterflies have a glorious feast.