Tuesday 3 June 2008

Bees and blooms......

The sun came out for a few hours today, long enough to take the following photographs. I love the erigeron.....it is such a pretty little daisy. It is reseeding all around the patio and Mr Practical is not very happy......but I really love it.
The first daylily to open.........they don't last long but they are beautiful blooms.
My mother gave me this little plant many many years ago, I still don't know what it is.
Sisyrinchium.......this has spread all around the garden, especially our shingle drive.
This peony was left in the garden by the previous owner.....and I loathe it.....each year I threaten to dig it up but Mr Practical likes it, so it stays.
The miniature rose is full of buds, such a delicate colour.

And then there are the bees.....three of the UK's native bumblebee species have disappeared and seven more are at risk.
The honeybee....there are 270,000 hives in Britain - last winter one in five colonies perished.
Einstein was said to have calculated.......'If bees disappeared of the surface of the globe, then man would have only four years of life left.
No more bees, no more pollination, no more plants, no more animals, no more life.'
Every garden need bees to pollinate trees, flowers and vegetables.
Bees are an integral part of a healthy garden........help the bees.





21 comments:

Q said...

Dear Cheryl,
Your bees seem happy. I know the bees are in trouble. My bumble bee
population is down so far this year. Planting native to our areas will help. Not using poisons will also help! I like bugs so I do not kill them inside or out...we do catch and release inside.
I did my first Lavender harvest of the season this morning. I always save some blooms for the bees.
Thank you for reminding people to ask, "Is it good for the bees?"
Happy New Lavender Moon.
Sherry, who dances with the bees.

Cheryl said...

Hello Sherry.....I am totally with you, I use no poisons or sprays of any kind in my garden. I have also planted many native wild flowers for my bees.
Spreading the word together, small voices make loud noises.....I am commited to help the bees.

My lavender is not out yet...as you say the bees love it.

Happy New Lavender Moon...

Wendy said...

Whoever thought that a little, tiny creature could have such power. I do hope we can save our bees.
I think the flowers your mother gave you look like faeries in ballgowns, dancing around your garden.

beckie said...

Cheryl, so glad you had at least a little sun. Your flowers are so pretty. Why not the peony? I am a big day lily fan and have panted several new ones this year. I am anxious to see them bloom. I've not seen many bee either since the trees are done flowering. Hopefully when more things start to bloom. Roof still leaking!

Grand Life said...

The bee situation is indeed scary. I found your Einstein quotation very interesting. I'll be watching for the first bee's here and the hummingbird feeders go out tomorrow- if it doesn't snow.
Judy

Cheryl said...

Hi Wendy....I think the bee is a little creature we take too much for granted.
The little plant does look like fairies in ballgowns, what a lovely description.
Hope you are well....

Cheryl said...

Hi Judy.....I think the situation is very scary...we need to take positive action,,,finding out the causes and how as individuals we can help.
Snow....??????

Cheryl said...

Hi Beckie.....The peony I can't really tell you why...I have never liked them...my father used to grow them and as a child it was a flower I never took to. Its strange isn't it.
I am more pro the delicate little flowers in the garden, its all down to personal taste I guess.

So sorry to hear about the roof....you must be so fed up with it. I truly hope it is not raining and it will soon be fixed. Hope the stress isn't affecting you condition.
Take care.

Rose said...

You have certainly done your part to help the bees, Cheryl. I have heard of the plight of the bees, but I'd never heard the quote from Einstein before. Something we should all think about.
We have had lots of rain in the last 24 hours; my day of catching up today has turned into a big day of work--our basement is flooded.

Cheryl said...

Hello Rose...Einsteins theory is food for thought....

Oh no poor you, Beckie with her roof, you with your basement......what is going on over there???

Zvrk said...

Our terrace is surrounded by lavender, and in the garden we have big patches of nepeta, foxgloves which bees seem to like. I have read your comment that you live 15 min from Sissinghurst Garden.
I do not have friends who share the same paasion for flowers and mostly enoy gardens in our vincinity by myself.
Fancy to meet a blog friend who lives near Cranbrook and who always has spare plants and cuttings ,hehe?

Michelle said...

Beautiful photos, and you've reminded me that I haven't seen the usual gaggle of bee hovering around my herbs this season. Maybe they're hiding from the rain. ;-)

Great post!

Cheryl said...

Hi zvrk.....your garden sounds delightful....and you mnetion three of my favourite bee plants.

I am sorry that you do not have any friends who share your passion for gardening. My life is very hectic at the moment.....I have my elderly parents and mother in law close by....I run them around quite a lot, so time is limited.
But you never know, perhaps one day. You seem a very sweet person.

Jeanne said...

So very lovely and beautiful is all that you share.

Cheryl said...

Thank you Jeanne.......

Rose said...

Thanks for your concern about my basement, Cheryl. It's still damp, but I'm going to spend today trying to finish up. My granddaughter (she's 12) is coming over today to help. If we can avoid another heavy rain soon, we should be ok.

Cheryl said...

Hi Rose.....how lovely of your granddaughter to come and help....hope it is soon sorted....these things are sent to try us!

Lisa at Greenbow said...

Your garden is just gorgeous Cheryl. The overall picture on your header is great. I can't believe you don't like that lovely peony. If I lived near you I would take it off your hands. Ha..
That last picture of the bee lying on the daisy is just wonderful. it looks as though the bee in having a nap.

Lisa at Greenbow said...

I went back and looked at your pictures again. I just love the flower that your Mother gave you. I don't recall seeing it before. The Sisyrinchium is outstanding too. I would love to see it in person. It looks like a tropical plant in your photo.

Cheryl said...

Tku Lisa....I lovethe bee and daisy picture to. I think it was having a little snooze....

If you lived nearer you would be welcome to the peony.....and the sisrinchium are everywhere, you would be welcome to as many as you could take. It is not tropical, and very hardy......if you really like them let me know and email me your address and I will send you some seeds in the autumn. I will leave that with you.

SweetAnnee said...

it is a sanctuary
puts my little garden to
SHAME

smiles,Deena