Tag: westmichigan
Happy World Bee Day!
As a beekeeper and avid gardener, it is my goal to spread awareness about the significance of bees and other pollinators. Did you know that these amazing creatures pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat? Think about it…that’s one in three bites! Can you…
The Old-Fashioned Lungwort
Today’s Feature Flower is the old-fashioned lungwort (Pulmonaria). This early spring perennial is the first to bloom in our gardens. Lungworts are loaded with tiny, bell-shaped flowers, surrounded by mounds of hairy green leaves, spotted with white. These delicate beauties are perfect for mass…
Bee Bread, Anyone?
This little worker bee is busy making bee bread! The Process: Pollen is collected by the forager bees and returned to the hive. Once it is placed into cells, the worker bees use their heads to firmly pack it in place. Honey, nectar or…
The Whimsical Cosmos
This week’s Feature Flower is the whimsical cosmos (Cosmos bipinnatus). This annual is loved by not only our honey bees, but our native bees, hummingbirds, moths and butterflies. Due to its ease to grow from seed and ability to thrive in poor soil, this…
Glory of the Snow
As a beekeeper, I feel it is my duty to provide healthy forage for my bees. I’ve had a passion for flowers and bees for as long as I can remember. I love that my two favorite things complement one another so beautifully. This…
Queen Louise II
During hive inspections, one might think that each colony would have the same feeling tone, but this is so not the case. I currently have over 30 colonies and each one has a different temperament. In my opinion, raising honey bees can be a…
My Earth Day Wish…
Every dream begins with a wish… These photos might not capture a sweet bee, but they represent the importance of the dandelion. This magical wildflower is a vital spring food source for not only our honey bees, but the local pollinators. On this Earth…
Cutleaf Coneflower: A Gift for the Pollinators
This towering beauty is loved by not only our honey bees, due to its rich nectar and pollen, but our native pollinators as well. Commonly called the cutleaf coneflower “autumn sun” (Rudbeckia laciniata), this stunning perennial is visited by both long and short-tongued bees,…
My Wish: Let the Dandelions Live!
As a beekeeper and avid gardener, I feel it is my duty to provide healthy forage for my bees and local pollinators. Considering the world’s current situation, purchasing spring plants is going to be nearly impossible for most. But, I have an effortless way…
Thinking About Becoming a Beekeeper?
Beekeeping is an exciting and rewarding adventure! Beekeeping is also challenging and even heartbreaking, at times. Before purchasing bees, take some time to prepare for a successful journey as a backyard beekeeper. Consider these 5 recommendations: Research, research, research! There are many wonderful beekeeping…