The heady fragrance of hawthorn blossom hangs in the air. Some flowers have already been served by the bees and are just starting to blush.
Granny's bonnet dance in the light spring breeze.
Cross pollenation has produced some lovely colours.......
and some unusual flowers.....
I think this is my favourite......
I was given this bird box at the weekend. It has bumble bees nesting in it. Someone had removed it from the outside wall of their house. I am concerned for the bees and their survival. Bumble bees are complex creatures and passive by nature. To move them at this critical time, will put severe stress on the colony (if they are all there and that is questionable).
The bees are tiny. After much research I came to the conclusion they must be Bombus Locorum. You can see one resting near the box entrance. I have placed the unit in a sheltered area, amongst wildflowers, in the copse. Today I saw several females with full pollen bages, enter the unit. I am hoping these charming little bees will survive their ordeal.......
Fortunately there are plenty of blooms in the garden..........
This is a British native......Geranium phaeum or mourning widow........this is a particular favourite of mine.....and bees adore it........dotted around the garden I am sure it will be a valuable source of pollen for my little bees.Have a happy week and enjoy your garden if you can....................
19 comments:
You do have a grand bouquet of blooms in your garden Cheryl. I just love seeing all of your bees. Today it is finally warm and sunny. I bet the bees and bugs are agog with delight. I am stuck at work not able to share in their enjoyment of the day. Sigh... I know I shouldn't be on this computer but when the boss is away the help will play. tee hee...
Lovely photos, I love your Wisteria, Aquilegia's and the last Geranium - I've been on the hunt for that type!
The weather has been poor for the past two days here, sadly no chance to enjoy the garden :(
Hi Cheryl... lovely photos - your Aqualegias are so pretty - as you say once they get established you end up with some wonderful colours and shapes - no idea how long ours had been here when we arrived but it's one of my favorite times of year when they're out... not to forget good old Geranium phaeum :-)
Very exciting about your bees in the nesting box - do hope they settle well in their new home!
Have a good week - Miranda
Naughty girl Lisa......it is good to be naughty sometimes!!
Weather here is cloudy but warm......but I would like to see a little more sunshine......
Hi Liz.....Wisteria is another favourite of mine...last years it did not bloom well, this year it is heaven.....
Hi Miranda......I love the aqualegias....the colours have been lovely this year.....
I to hope the bees will settle, I am a little worried about them at the moment....
Have a good week to......
I'd had my eye on Wisteria for years and gaze lovingly at online plant shops dreaming... hehehe, they're such stunning plants!
I hope your Bees have settled in well, they're in excellent hands!
Hi Cheryl, Are the granny's bonnet also known as columbine? I hadn't heard that name, but I like it!
Cheryl, I do hope that the bees feel safe and at home in you garden...thye have plenty of nectar and the weather is cooperating. I haven't noticed any cross pollination with the columbine...hmm! I love when they do, tho! I didn't know that Geranium phaeum was a British flower~~maybe that's why it need more moisture then this garden can provide! I am glad the bees have you and the garden Cheryl...gail
Dear Cheryl,
Bless you for caring for the bees. They look so sweet. You have lots of lovely, lovely blooms for them too.
I can almost hear their tiny wings and their "thank you" to you!
Sherry
It is interesting when the gardens take some life of their own...observing the different shapes and colors of cross-pollination and reseeding.
I hope the bumblebees recover...at least from this point on they should have good conditions. I am impressed that our garden now seems to be host to some bee colonies. I just have to keep up the positive public relations as some here are now aware of how great the bees really are.
Cheryl, So many beautiful blooms in your garden already! Here's hoping the bumblebees survive--they must think they're in bumble heaven with so many flowers to enjoy.
Cheryl, I am sure the bees will survive with your tender loving care. You work so hard at giving them sanctuary and I know they are grateful.
Love all your flowers! Granny's bommet looks like columbine here-I love all your colors. And you have wisteria blooming, how wonderful. Mine is just showing the beginings of buds so will be a few weeks yet. Isn't it a gorgeous bloom?!
Wonderful weather here the last few days and I have been stuck at work. But I do manage to get a little gardening done when I get home. Mostly pulling weeds now, but will start planting some annuals soon. :)
Beautiful photos! I think the bees were very fortunate to move to your garden and I wish them good luck!
What a lovely post again Cheryl with beautiful photos. I too love Columbines, they were here when we came and have stayed with us for many years and here too the cross pollination has produced some very pretty colours.
Poor little bees, I do hope they survive their upheaval you must let us know.
Thank you for sharing your wonderful garden once again.
Hi Monica....yes Granny's bonnets, colimbine or Aquilegia.......choose which one you like....I like the common name of Granny's bonnet.....
How beautiful! I love them all but I think the pink and the purple columbines are my favorite. ♥
your garden is grand...one day i want to visit it...one day i hope to. so glad someone knew you would care for the bees...i hope they thrive in your copse.
isn't this a wonderful time of the year with all the amazing blooms...bees...other buzzing creatures. i love it.
Wonderful post. I loved all the photographs. Hope the bees do well.
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