PNW Gardener's Guide to Backyard Bumblebee Colonies

A person in Seattle, WA, who found a bumblebee colony in their garden, says, "I have some questions about these bees. Are they only around in the summer? Do they stick around through the winter? I really don't know much about them." A simple, easy-to-understand guide—like a pamphlet, short eBook, or webpage—specific to common bumblebees in the Pacific Northwest could help. This guide would explain their lifecycle, addressing whether they're just summer visitors and how they survive the winter. It would also cover the benefits they bring to the garden and offer tips on how to live harmoniously with them. This would not only educate homeowners but also support local pollinator conservation in the Pacific Northwest and ease any worries about having bees in the garden, helping people appreciate these helpful insects.