bees

Silflower was among native plants that blanketed the vast North American prairie until settlers developed farms and cities. Nowadays confined largely to roadsides and ditches, the long-stemmed cousin of the sunflower may be poised for a comeback, thanks to solar energy.

This year, Dany Baillargeon is committing what he describes as "horticultural disobedience" by letting his front yard grow naturally — despite the risk of running afoul of local bylaws.

To recreate a natural environment, researchers made nesting boxes, and then attached them to 10 Montreal billboards. Twice over the summer, part of the nests will be taken back to the lab at Université de Montréal to look for a way to beef up the bee population.