Archive for July, 2014

New Zealand Flax Attracts Bees and more

Posted in Bee to Flower relationship, Bee-loving flowers, Hummingbirds, Natural Beekeeping, New Zealand Flax, Videos, tagged , , , , , , , on July 22, 2014| 8 Comments »

July 18, 2014...Although I walk past this plant just about every day, I never took notice of it until it started blooming about a week ago. I became curious whether bees would be attracted to it. Yes, there were...even as early as 8:30 am..

July 18, 2014…Although I walk past this New Zealand Flax  just about every day, I never took notice of it until it started blooming about a week ago. I became curious whether bees would be attracted to it. Yes, they were…even as early as 8:30 am..

July 17, 2014...bee going deep for nectar. I recently read a website that honeybees can't get the nectar from New Zealand Flax, and yet I saw many honeybees attending these blossoms.

July 17, 2014…bee going deep for nectar. I recently read a website that stated honeybees can’t get the nectar from New Zealand Flax, and yet I saw many honeybees attending these blossoms.

July 12, 2014...Hummingbirds also visited, but were often chased away by rivals. Why is that? There is plenty to go around. "Why can't they cooperate for the common good," my wife asks? I have no answer...Why can't humans cooperate for the common good? Looking at our blue planet from space, seeing nothing around that's inhabitable for light year distances, you'd think we'd want to work together for our mutual survival. Just some thoughts in light of the current world affairs.

July 12, 2014…Hummingbirds also visited, but were often chased away by rivals. Why is that? There is plenty to go around. “Why can’t they cooperate for the common good,” my wife wonders?  I have no idea…Why can’t humans cooperate for the common good? Looking at our blue planet from space, seeing nothing around that’s habitable for light year distances, you’d think we’d want to work together for our mutual survival.
Just some random thoughts in light of the disturbing current world affairs.

July 14, 2014...July 14, 2014...When I saw reddish orange pollen coming into my Bee-atrice Log Hive, I wondered where it was coming from.being transported into the hive...perhaps nectar too?

July 14, 2014…When I saw reddish orange pollen coming into my Bee-atrice Log Hive, I wondered where it was coming from.

Reddish orange pollen. I was wondering where that was coming from

Reddish orange pollen, coming from the New Zealand Flax.

Ants like it too. When I was shooting the video I waited and waited until the ant emerged, then another, and another.

Ants like it too. When I was shooting the video I waited and waited until this ant emerged, then another came up,  and another.

History of flax use in New Zealand

The Short Story of Flax in New Zealand

How to clean and harvest New Zealand Flax

How to make a small purse using the leaves.

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Early Summer Bee-loving Flowers

Posted in Bee to Flower relationship, Bee Video, Bee-loving flowers, Bumblebees, Garden spider, Music video, Natural Beekeeping, Poached Egg Meadowfoam, tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , on July 12, 2014| 3 Comments »

June 29, 2014...Honeybees and hummingbirds get nectar from these little gems.

June 29, 2014…Honeybees and hummingbirds get nectar from these little gems.  We’ve decided to grow more alliums next year because the bees love them and the deer don’t.

June 23, 2014...We started these seeds under lights in the house, hoping they would turn out well. We're very happy with the results and the bees love them too.

June 23, 2014…We started these Cosmos seeds under lights in the house, hoping they would turn out well. We’re very happy with the results and the bees love them too.

June 10, 2014...Honeybee getting nectar.

June 10, 2014…Honeybee getting nectar on this Cosmos

June 16, 2014...This little stand of California poppies planted itself on my Hugelkulture bed. In the background you can see some wallflowers (Erysimum).

June 16, 2014…This little stand of California poppies planted itself on my Hugelkulture bed. In the background you can see some wallflowers (Erysimum).

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What kind of bee is this? Maybe Amelia or standingoutinmyfield will know.

What kind of bee is this? Maybe Amelia or standingoutinmyfield will know.

A new type of poppy, called a Twister poppy. Attracts bumblebees and is a pay grade above the California poppy.

A new type of poppy, called a Twister poppy. Attracts bumblebees and is a pay grade or two above the California poppy.

I started the Phacellia seeds in the house to attract the honeybees, but rarely do I see honeybees on them. No problem, we need to help the bumblebee as well, in this case the Yellow-faced bumblebee. (bombus Vosnosenkii)

I started the Phacellia seeds to attract the honeybees, but rarely do I see honeybees on them. No problem, we need to help the bumblebee as well, in this case the Yellow-faced bumblebee. (bombus Vosnosenkii)

Relatively short-lived, this Veronica Longifolia, 'Pink Eveline' served as a nectar source for a short time.

Relatively short-lived, (blossom wise) this Veronica Longifolia, ‘Pink Eveline’ served as a nectar source for a short time.

Speedwell, Veronica Spicata, 'Royal Candles.' The colors of this one stand out well.

Speedwell, Veronica Spicata, ‘Royal Candles.’ The colors  stand out well.

June 29, 2014...Sometimes when the bumblebee exits this blossom, it will pick up a streak of white pollen

June 29, 2014…Sometimes when the bumblebee exits this blossom, it will pick up a streak of white pollen up it’s back.

Piano composition by Kiera O’Hara.

Music by “The Bottom Rung”

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Following a Tree, July

Posted in Follow a tree, Tulip Tree, tagged , , , , on July 10, 2014| 4 Comments »

July 1, 2014...Tulip tree is still looking good.

July 1, 2014…Tulip tree is still looking good.

As a survival tree, the tulip tree was also known as a canoe tree because the wood is lightweight and was preferred by many Native American tribes, in the construction of canoes. The leaves can be used as a poultice to treat sores. Tea can be made from the inner bark to treat fevers and indigestion. The bark can be chewed on for an aphrodisiac.

As a survival tree, the tulip tree was also known as a canoe tree because the wood is lightweight and was preferred by many Native American tribes, in the construction of canoes. The leaves can be used as a poultice to treat sores. Tea can be made from the inner bark to treat fevers and indigestion. The bark can be chewed on for an aphrodisiac.

There are a late bloomers left.

There are still a few late bloomers left.

Blossom withering. Hope my bees got some nectar.

Most of the blossoms are withering. Hope my bees got some nectar.

Seed pods have formed. It'll be interesting to watch them dry up. I want to get some seeds...maybe next month.

Seed pods have formed. It’ll be interesting to watch them dry up. I want to get some seeds…maybe next month.

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