In the vast world of bees, the honeybee – and its mysterious population decline – tends to take center stage. All the while, another species is diligently and quietly at work to fulfill the critical role of plant pollinator. The Mason bee is a solitary bee. Unlike species categorized as social bees, solitary bees spend their lives in the company of – but independent from – other bees. Every female is a queen. Her daily life is spent seeking pollen and caring for the eggs which will emerge to become the next generation. Dave Hunter of Seattle, WA has been teaching gardeners how to promote and play host to these docile creatures, native to North America. The simple steps to invite these beneficial insects into our gardens and commercial agricultural operations will add a new dimension of wonder to the experience and create a game-changing increase in crop production. Spend some time with us in exploring the life and power of the humble Mason bee. You may soon be finding yourself looking beyond the hive to observe the activity of these tube-dwelling pollinators and their beneficial neighbors.