Hi Sandy!
If you put out drops of honey, flying pollinators will eventually find it (no doubt about it!)... but likely, so will ants...
Since I see you like garden junk, you might try feeding hummingbirds. They also pollinate and bees/wasps tend to make visits to their feeders too.
If you have the space (and the inclination), you could also try inviting a beekeeper to set up a hive or two in your neighborhood - that'll get you some *serious* pollinating accomplished!

the feral population of honeybees is at an all time low. Sandy, have you considered a garden hive?

I don't think at this time a hive would be a good thing. I don't think I need another thing to take care of, but I might check into it a bit and see what I can find out aobut them. How do I go about finding a local person that might be willing to teach me about them, or would come and set one up here.
Thank you for your suggestions.
Sandy

On going maintenance for a hive is about an hour every two weeks. The big work is building it, stocking it in the spring... and then harvesting in the fall.

Try this link

Here is a link that might be useful: Missouri Beekeeping Org

brdldylstlu -

One of the best ways to attract bees is to plant the flowers that they are attracted to. I planted some borage - which can become quite a pest if it likes the area, and reseeds profusely. The bees love it.

However, the best ways I've found is to avoid use of pesticides - and they will find you.

My present colony was a volunteer swarm that happened to like my apricot tree. I looked into the yellow pages to find a "bee man" and he brushed them off the tree and into an old hive (I had one empty just laying around from previous years.) I had some bees - as a beginner from another location.

They really were quite happy here - and I notice all of my trees and berry bushes seem well-pollinated.

Last week, we had a Santa Ana (hot desert winds) that brought in a lot of painted lady butterflies - and from that time on, I seem to notice a lot fewer bees on the plants. Whether this caused them to swarm or not, I'm not too sure. We are also experiencing a lot of noise from frantic building in our area - which may or may not be contributing.

Anyway, yesterday, I donned my "suit and veil" and opened the hive. Actually, it seemed to be "business as usual" but I am at a loss as to why they are not flying in the yard.

You might try the library for books on beekeeping, if you are interested. I have two books - One is "First Lessons in Beekeeping" by Dadant, and the other is "Practical Beekeeping" by Garden Ways. Both are very good although perhaps others would have more up-to-date information.

This forum is also a good source of information.

Just my 2 cents. Another good plant pollinator is basil - which I try to plant near my tomatoes each year.

Bejay