An apiarian residency for solitary bee mothers to hibernate and bee babies to grow. Individual “rooms” vary in diameter so that they may accommodate a range of local species - from the tiny Green sweat bee (Augochlora species; 0.5-1.5 cm) to the inflated Bumblebee (Bombus species; 1-2.5 cm).

All rooms are removable so they can be easily cleaned each fall in order to evict unwanted pests and prevent the spread of disease. Rooms in the top section are oriented southwest. Rooms in the bottom section alternate orientation to provide increased privacy and angle of entry variability.

A sugar water well food source sits on the bottom of the structure. Aesthetics are curated to entice; sections are painted to resemble flowers and the violet trim is close to the spectra most easily perceived by bees. Removable chicken wire mesh protects sleeping mothers and defenseless larvae from hungry birds, squirrels, and other predators.

Considering the high rate of honey bee colony collapse disorder and habitat destruction, hardy solitary bees are becoming increasingly important to American ecosystems, and by extension, whatever is growing in our backyard.

Concept and design on the fly. Scrap pine wood, dead bamboo, thumbtacks, chicken wire mesh, hot glue, flooring nails, waterproof sealant, an old pillow case, chop saw, hand-drill.

Winter 2019 in Central NJ with Esther Lim, painted by Meesun Park.