Many gardeners know the plight of the European honey bee – Colony collapse disorder, workers disappear and the hive soon dies out. Many theories have been suggested and studies have been undertaken to try to understand the dynamics of this disorder.
But what can the backyard gardener do short of taking up beekeeping? A PBS article Nature gives many suggestions including planting flowers that bloom successively. Check out the article here Silence of the Bees.
So our heralds of spring not only help us recover from the Winter Blues they help our pollinators live on.
Be sure to plant an array of nectar flowers that begin to bloom once Gaia is warmed by the rays of the sun until she pulls her white blanket tight around her body once again.
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The Iris and the Lily 
Just like my tattoo!
Ooooh, I adore snow drops!! I have a poem about them, can I share it with you? Here it goes:
The snowdrop
A tiny little snowdrop
Popped his little head up
From underneath the snowy ground
He fought his way through King Winter’s crown.
The fairies cheered encouragements
And up, and up, our soldier went
Inspired by his bravery
King Winter stepped aside so he
Could raise his snow white head up
Long before the buttercups
Even dared to dream of such
For spring was sleeping soundly still
Not knowing of the iron will
Displayed by her smallest flower child
Who could not wait for weather mild
To reach towards the pale blue sky
And raise his tiny head up high
If you don’t like it you can just delete it. 🙂
What a wonderful poem! So magical thank you for sharing!
I love it! Thanks for posting and sharing.
Pure enchantment …isn’t nature wonderful.
Yes it is! I am so glad the “unlocking” will allow for future photos…
I continue to be amazed by your talents, Bonnie. Your words are so beautiful – as are your gardens and photographs. Again I am smiling on this ridculously cold Monday morning 3 days before spring begins. Thank-you. 🙂
Lovely shots.
Enchanting post and great poem by Line. 🙂
Thank you and yes, I love when others use this as a forum for their creativity.
I love your blog. 🙂
You are so kind, your validation keeps me looking for the unusual!
No pressure! LOL
Those close-ups of the bees are stunning. So important to remind everyone to put the bees first. We have a pussy willow tree in full bloom, but so few bees this year, even though there are meadows and fruit trees all around us.
Fantastic shots and a pleasure to see a bee.
I think this might work, Bonnie. Let me know if you need it sent in a different format! Johanne
Sent from my iPad