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\title{Lyis: \textit{Spring Bee Pots} \\\textbf{For Orchard Bees and Other Early Pollinators}}
\author{\small Nursery in Owen Sound, run by 
Andrii Logan Zvorygin a Ukrainian-Canadian \\
\includegraphics[width=1em]{hfoc/email-logo} lyis@liberit.ca 
\includegraphics[width=1em]{hfoc/www-logo} https://lyis.ca 
\includegraphics[width=1em]{hfoc/phone-logo} 226-537-0147 \\
\small
\includegraphics[width=1em]{hfoc/etsy-logo} LyisForestry 
}
\date{}

\begin{document}
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\begin{multicols}{2}

\section{Why These Pots Matter}

Early spring is a critical time for orchard bees, especially mason bees
(\textit{Osmia} spp.). As temperatures warm, the adults emerge from their
cocoons, mate, and begin searching for flowers. The female must gather pollen
and nectar, build nest chambers, and lay the next generation, all within a
short adult life.

That means a gap in bloom can become a gap in reproduction.

These pots are planted with spring bulbs that bloom in sequence, helping bridge
the hungry weeks between first emergence and the arrival of heavier dandelion
and orchard bloom.

\section{The Bee Life Cycle in Spring}

\subsection*{1. Emergence}
When spring weather becomes mild enough, adult bees chew out of their cocoons.
At this stage they need immediate access to flowers for energy.

\subsection*{2. Feeding and Mating}
Fresh nectar gives flying energy. Pollen provides protein. The female must build
up strength quickly.

\subsection*{3. Nesting}
After mating, the female begins laying eggs in holes or tubes. Each egg chamber
is packed with a pollen-and-nectar provision for the larva.

\subsection*{4. Provisioning the Next Generation}
This is why pollen matters so much. Nectar fuels the adult. Pollen feeds the
young. A flower that gives both is more valuable than one that is mostly nectar.

\section{What Is in These Pots}

\subsection*{\textit{Crocus chrysanthus} --- Snow Crocus}
One of the first major spring flowers in these pots. Excellent early pollen
source, with nectar as well. This is especially useful just after bee
emergence.

\subsection*{\textit{Crocus tommasinianus} --- Tommie Crocus}
Another early crocus that helps extend the crocus window. It keeps food
available after the first snow crocuses begin and before later spring flowers
take over.

\subsection*{\textit{Scilla forbesii} / \textit{Chionodoxa} --- Glory of the Snow}
Bridges the crocus season into the next wave. Useful as a nectar-rich
transition flower.

\subsection*{\textit{Muscari armeniacum} --- Grape Hyacinth}
Blooms later and lasts well. Helps carry pollinators further through spring
while nesting continues.

\section{Why Crocus Is Especially Valuable}

Not all early bulbs are equal.

Crocuses are especially useful because they provide real pollen as well as
nectar. That makes them better matched to the stage when orchard bees are
emerging, feeding, mating, and provisioning nests.

By contrast, flowers such as snowdrops and Siberian squill can still be useful,
but crocus is often more important as an early pollen source.

\section{Expected Bloom Sequence}

\begin{itemize}
\item \textbf{Early spring:} \textit{Crocus chrysanthus}
\item \textbf{Following soon after:} \textit{Crocus tommasinianus}
\item \textbf{Next bridge:} Glory of the Snow
\item \textbf{Later spring:} \textit{Muscari armeniacum}
\item \textbf{Then:} dandelions, fruit trees, and the broader spring landscape
\end{itemize}

Local weather, exposure, and pot warmth can shift the exact order and timing.

\section{Please Leave the Dandelions}

Once dandelions begin flowering, they become one of the major food sources of
mid-spring.

If lawns are cut too early, a large part of the bee food supply disappears just
when many females are actively nesting.

\textbf{Best practice:}
\begin{itemize}
\item let the dandelions flower for a while,
\item allow bees to use them,
\item then mow later.
\end{itemize}

\section{What You Are Buying}

\subsection*{Spring Starter Pots}
Single-species pots for a simple splash of spring colour.

\subsection*{Pot of Spring}
A mixed pot with a sequence of bloom over several weeks.

\subsection*{Glorious Pot of Spring}
Our deluxe layered pot, designed to carry pollinators through more of the
spring season.

\section{After Flowering}

\begin{itemize}
\item Keep leaves until they yellow naturally.
\item The leaves recharge the bulb for next year.
\item Plant the bulbs in the ground after the season if desired.
\item Over time, they can help build a more pollinator-friendly landscape.
\end{itemize}


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