Aural Ecstasy

The bees have finally found the sea holly (Eryngium sp.) that I planted just for them.  One day it's the sunflowers, the next it's the sea holly, every day it's the borage.  They go through phases just like me.  For instance, right now I am in a major Radiohead phase. 

I just discovered their new one, The King of Limbs, and I'm absolutely lost in it.  I used to be a purist and only work in my hives to the sound of the bees, but the dreamy Mr. Yorke has convinced me another world exists.  If you like Radiohead, you should give a listen.  If you like Radiohead and love working with bees, you should try them together.  It's a delicious combination.  

Open your mouth wide
A universal sigh
And while the ocean blooms
It's what keeps me alive

So why does this still hurt 
Don't blow your mind with why

I'm moving out of orbit

Turning in somersaults
I dive into those eyes
Jellyfish swim by

Bloom Phenology - Late June

Bees are early risers, just like me.  As soon as the first rays of sun hit the face of the hive they are busy looking for nectar.  Some current favorites...

 

Borage.  It's irresistable to bees and reseeds itself wildly.  I give it a free pass to grow wherever and however it pleases.  Normally I am very methodical in my garden planning, but this year I am letting the garden decide what it wants to do.  Apparently the theme is  "reckless abandon". 

Both german and roman chamomile...

...and blackberries!  I've already posted this photo, but I'm doing it again because I love it.  Blackberries are the drug of choice for bees right now, and this one was absolutely drunk on nectar.  She rested on the petal for an eternity with her head buried deep.  Bee bliss.

Foxglove.  I get impatient with biennials, but foxglove are worth it.  Honeybees don't seem to like going all the way inside, unlike their badass bumblebee friends who completely disappear within. 

Sea Holly.  This is supposed to be a good bee plant, but I have yet to see any using it.  The blackberries must be more appealing.

Bees don't care about this one, but I do...Kent Beauty oregano.  The Thyme Garden grows these and right now they are at their prime.  Very light, papery blooms that are similar to hops.  These are very sweet, demure flowers (unlike that naughty peony) and last forever when cut. 

And now the sun has fully risen and they are ready to go.

Bloom Phenology - Mid June

Just kidding.  I haven't seen a single bee on this flower.  But I wanted you to see her.  I have been nurturing this peony along for many seasons now, and this year she is finally coming into her own.  Isn't she exquisite?

Bloom Phenology

What is blooming this week that the bees are enjoying?

Poppies.  I don't think I need to write anything more about them.  They speak for themselves.  And this one...just drink it in.  To quote one of my favorite gardeners, "Orange makes a whore out of pink".   

... and red valerian.  Take a look at the golden pollen clinging to this statically charged little bee. 

...and the earliest of my blackberry varieties is in full bloom, being worked by both honeybees and the masons.  Uh-oh.  My honey supers aren't quite ready.

Bloom Phenology - Or, What the Bees Love this Week

Angelica archangelica

We have been enjoying our first week of truly warm spring weather, and the flowers and bees have responded.  As part of my apprentice beekeeper training it is suggested that I keep a bloom phenology record, and what better way to do it than with photographs from my garden?

Angelica, covered in bees and beneficial insects

This post should probably be called "A Love Letter to Angelica". I love herbs with a good story, and Angelica archangelica has a history littered with intriguing references to angels, witchcraft, and protection from evil.  Scandinavian poets used to wear crowns of angelica for inspiration.  Like other members of the Umbelliferae, the bees love it, which is reason enough.  It’s a biennial, and mine is about four feet tall now, although I’ve seen them grow much taller.  This plant will always have a place in my garden. 

Here are some other bee favorites I have observed this week:

Wisteria sinensis

All varieties of culinary thyme

Bees don't have a care in the world when chives are blooming

Lavandula stoechas - Spanish lavender

...And various offerings from "The Garden of Bolting Greens".  I always let some Brassicas go to seed for the insects, they can't get enough of them.  These beauties are 6 feet tall!  I noticed some early blackberry blossoms opening, and when they do the real show will begin.