I don't know about the "must be food rule"...flowers feed my soul.
My faves where I live in the mountains of N. CA: For perennials any
fruit tree will do, but if you are limited in space, try
raspberries (bees love love love raspberries! It is a plant that multiplies and spreads freely - long season too) and believe it or not,
roses! (they must be single or old fashioned)
Annuals that the bees enjoy include
sunflowers (...who can't smile, and feel nurtured when in view of these beauties?)
clover everywhere and anywhere, now is the time to plant in the west for spring bloom
BORAGE too, all herbs;echinacea (make sure it is the brood leaf medicinal sort)
mint, thyme,
lemon balm especially, and for the fall, the bees absolutely adore
zinnias,
marigolds,
asters and the humble
bachelor button. ADDENDUM: I CAN'T BELIEVE I LEFT OUT
COSMOS! They are so easy to grow, they reach over 6' & the bees LOVE 'EM - so good for autumn pollen... 8-)
All of these would thrive in your area I am certain.