I started adding more plants to my yard that would attract bees and butterflies. I put in several butterfly bushes, as well as coneflowers, coreopsis and some climbing vines.

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? :)