Tag: westmichigan
Blue Beauties
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…
Pollinator Protection: How You Can Help
Happy 1st day of Spring! Our pollinators are currently in decline, due to loss of habitat. The application of pesticides is another contributing factor. 1/3 of the food we eat is thanks to these amazing creatures… It is our job to care for them!…
What Big Eyes You Have…
Honey bees are extraordinary creatures! Their eye sight is just one of their many super powers. Honey bees see ultraviolet light, as well as color combinations of purples, blues and greens. They are unable to see the color red, although they are able to…
Sunflowers for the Bees
We all need a little sunshine right about now, so this week’s Feature Flower is…the Sunflower!Sunflowers are outstanding choices for honey bees and local pollinators. They are effortless to grow from seed and make a stunning late summer-fall feature in any garden. Although I…
Let’s Hear it for the Boys!
Soon the boys will be back in town! Although there were no signs of new drones upon my initial hive inspections of 2020, the ladies will begin the process of re-establishing the drone population very soon. During our Michigan winters, the drones (male honey…
For the Love of Chives!
Chives are an outstanding choice for your local pollinators. They are effortless to grow from seed and make a beautiful border plant. Considering I have two favorites, I thought I would share both: Common Chives (Allium schoeonoprasum) and Garlic Chives (Allium tuberosum). Common Chives…
Hyssop: A Must for Your Garden
Hyssop (Agastache foeniculum) is one of my favorite perennial herbs to grow from seed. These plants are loaded with purple, nectar-rich flowers, beginning mid-summer. Hyssop makes a beautiful feature in any garden and is stunning when mass planted. The hyssop plants in our gardens…
Beekeeper Roda’s Story
My name is Roda. I am the owner of Indigo Acres Apiary in Rockford, Michigan. I was born a nature girl. I spent my childhood exploring the woods, catching critters, and gardening with my dad. Even then, I was easily distracted by bees, butterflies,…
The Beauty of Borage
Planting a pollinator garden is a wonderful gift for the bees. Considering they pollinate 1/3 of the food we eat, planting bee friendly flowers is the least we can do to give back. If you are wondering where to start and what to plant,…
Inspect with a Purpose
As spring arrives, I become more and more excited to begin hive inspections. As much as I enjoy inspections, I want to make sure I am not opening a hive just to say “hello” to my sweet ladies. Before I inspect a hive, I…