April 07th, 2026

    I have selected two books for our January book review, with a third as an honorable mention. I have selected all the books as a celebration of our native environment, which goes along with our speaker's subject of Mason Bees.
    The first is, Braiding Sweetgrass, Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants, by Robin Wall Kimmerer. This has been my favorite book for years. It is one you will want to re-read for its knowledge, philosophy and view of plant/animal reciprocity and generosity in the natural world.
    As a botanist, the author trained to ask questions of nature with science. As a member of the Potawatomi nation, she embraces the notion that plants and animals are our greatest teachers. She brings this knowledge together to show a that a wider ecological consciousness requires the acknowledgement and understanding of the reciprocal relationship we have with the living world, and an understanding of the generosity of the Earth. She does so through a beautiful journey with images of giant cedars, wild strawberries, gathering wild leeks and a meadow of fragrant sweetgrass.
    The second book is, Native Plant Gardening for Birds, Bees & Butterflies: Pacific Northwest, by Jaret C. Daniels. This is a beautiful fully illustrated book about native plants which support our native fauna. The beginning of the book includes gardening basics and identification of a few types of pollinators, including photos of bees, moths, butterflies and other pollinators. The book also includes a handy chart which includes hardiness zone, light level, soil preference and which pollinators, including birds, are attracted to each plant. However, the bulk of the book is a gorgeous full color photo and description of each native plant. This portion is divided in three sections: Full Sun, Full Sun to Partial Shade, and Partial Shade to Full Shade. The book concludes with charts/photos tying specific plants to specific pollinators, including Bird Food and Nesting Plants and Hummingbirds.
    The Honorable Mention book is, Mason Bee Revolution, 2nd Edition, How the Hardest Working Bee Can Save the World One Backyard at a Time, by Dave Hunter and Jill Lightner. This is an update of Dave's classic book on everything to know about raising Mason Bees. Dave is the founder of Crown Bees based in Woodinville. Dave and I have been friends for over 20 years, and he gave me an autographed copy of the book which I am happy to share with the club. This again is a beautifully illustrated book which includes everything from pollinator plant selection to bee types, homes and care, to pests, to the impacts of pesticides and some alternatives. The book includes some guest authors and insight into other pollinators including hummingbirds, bats and butterflies. It also includes insights into commercial operations and pollinator research projects. Thus, whether you have had mason bees for 20 years, or are new to it, there is new information for all.