I've noticed that the yellow jackets really like the canary vine (even though it's still not blooming yet) and the butterfly bushes. They also really like the water in the bird bath, when it gets low enough for them to use.

While I'm not a big fan of yellow jackets, we have a lot of them and they usually get pretty nasty in the fall. With all the new plants, they seem to be a lot more mellow. Has anyone else noticed this, or do I just have strange yellow jackets? :)

In fact, I can actually 'pet' the bees and they don't seem to mind (I wouldn't try this with wasps!).

From what I've read, most bees and wasps only get aggressive when defending their nests. Or when someone is trying to smash them with a broom... that would probably make me aggressive as well!