Bees thrive in the city. They actually can do better in the city than in the country. Cities have so many flowering trees, gardens, and ornamental flowers. They have such a wonderful variety of nectar and pollen to choose from. The Madison area also has a longer growing season than the surrounding farmland. They eat pollen and nectar from basswood, apple and crabapple trees, dandelions, creeping charlie, bergamot, sedum, asters, mint, oregano, roses, and so many others. And this variety of sources really improves the health of the bees and the taste of the honey.