I grew bee balm for the first time two years ago. That year there were almost no bees in my garden and I never saw any in the bee balm. Last year, I accidentally planted something where the bee balm would come up, so it never had a chance to grow. This year I took care to see that the plant had plenty of space.
Before long, there were more blooms than there have ever been. But where were the bees? There were lots of bumblebees in the garden and some honey bees but none of them came near the bee balm.
Then one day, I saw a single honey bee collecting nectar.
That bee stayed there for quite a while. I have never seen another one.
Earlier this week, I saw glimpses of a hummingbird’s wings, on the far side of the bee balm, three different times. Yesterday was the first time this year that I was able to see one of the birds fully.
In the evening, I discovered if I looked out the front window of my living room, I could view the plant from above.
Today, I looked out the window frequently to see if I would spot a hummingbird. And I did! It visited several different times and I was able to take pictures of it. (In the following photos, the hummingbird is near the center of the picture.)
I hope more bees and hummingbirds will visit the bee balm, but even if they don’t, I believe I will continue to feel as happy and satisfied as I do now.
Living, Learning and Letting Go 
Lovely pictures!!
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Thanks.
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🙂
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I had never heard of Bee Balm! I see it’s also known as Wild Bergamot, so can you infuse it with tea to make Earl Grey, do you know?
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I saw something about bee balm and tea the other day but forgot to go back and read it. Due to your comment I googled bee balm and found a very interesting article. http://www.hgtv.com/design/outdoor-design/landscaping-and-hardscaping/fact-about-bee-balm. I may write a followup post about it. Thanks for asking your question.
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This is a good one too. https://altnature.com/gallery/beebalm.htm
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In regards to Earl Grey. It sounds like it is not the same as Earl Grey, but infusing bee balm with China tea will create a tea that TASTES like Earl Grey.
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Great links, and there are medicinal benefits to be had too! 🙂
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Lots of them.
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I love bee balm! Mine are more of a dark purple and bright pink.
When I was little my mom planted it right outside our back door. We had lots of bees in the house for a few summers!
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I learned that there were other colors when I was reading about them but I’ve never seen the others. I bet they are beautiful. Maybe there will be bees in mine someday too. Thanks for sharing your history with them.
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Yea!
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It is a beautiful plant! I love watching all the helpful insects in the garden, it is so satisfying giving them plants to pollinate and be around.
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I enjoy that too. I’m doing my best to provide a good home for the pollinators.
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And it looks like you are doing a great job! 🐝🐞
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Awesome photos!!! lucky you!! I bought a hummingbird feeder but it only attracted ants…I must find a way to hang it from the tree in front of my patio window. What a treat to see the hummingbird!!!
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