While I am a relatively new to gardening, my garden is coming along well and I had many different flowers this season. I do, however, have a concern — how do gardeners work in flower beds with loads of bees buzzing all around them? I know the bees are beneficial, but it’s really kind of nerve-racking. Are there repellents to use that will keep them away from you? I wouldn’t say I have a fear of bees, I just don’t particularly like getting stung! Any ideas or suggestions?

Bees are beneficial, and short of turning your garden into a chemical war zone, it is really difficult to avoid luring bees into the garden. Observation will show you that they prefer certain flowers over others. If bees are truly offensive to you, you may wish to avoid planting those particular flowering plants.

Most bees, however, are not aggressive unless threatened. Avoid wild or hurried movements if a bee should approach or land on you. Simply move out of the way or lightly shoo it away. For many species of bees, stinging is a suicide reserved for protection of the hive.