The area is mostly flat with one large tree that gives no shade and a few small ones. I'm fenced in on all three sides as well. Here are some pics of my yard (see link below). Don't let the green fool you, it's mostly grass trimming covering the bare spots and trimmed down dandelions. I'd love some color as long as there aren't flowers or insect-attracting plants. I'm also a bird lover if that helps any. All ideas welcome!

in general, i have a phobia of being stung. i don't think i have an allergy. i haven't been stung in a while. but i do have a great fear of being stung. i freak out around any biting/stinging insects. i just stay clear of them and i haven't been stung in many years (since i was a kid). when bees/wasps/hornets come around me, i try to stay calm and walk away from them.

as long as you're careful you should be ok. but i think bees are a natural part of gardening. i did find a product called "bee safe". i have no idea on how well it works. this is something you spray on yourself as a repellent to bees. maybe someone is familiar with this or a similar product? this is their web site: http://www.beesaf.com/

good luck!
--robbie--