Recently, the FoJG Sierra Club in Richmond Virginia had a guest speaker at its monthly general meeting held at the Jepson Alumni Center on the University of Richmond campus. Kristi Orcutt, Children's Garden Program Developer at Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, gave us a wonderful PowerPoint presentation primarily about honey bees called Catch the BUZZ!
Over the last several years, honey bees generally have been in a decline in the United States and elsewhere. This largely has been attributed to Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and there are various likely factors contributing to this decline. Some believe that chemicals such as synthetic pesticides and even perhaps some of the activities of Monsanto with GMO crops are contributing factors to the unnatural decline in the honey bee population. Another factor is the Varroa destructor or external parasitic mite that can harm honey bees. The causes of CCD still are being studied and likely involve a combination of factors.
Whatever the cause(s) of CCD are, as homeowners in Richmond Virginia and elsewhere, we can help promote an increase in the honey bee population by growing certain plants in our yards. The Honey Bee Conservancy suggests various plants in order to have blooms almost the entire year. Also, avoiding synthetic pesticides in any bee garden is highly recommended as natural pesticide alternatives are safer for bees!
The following are several photos taken from the PowerPoint presentation at this month's FoJG Sierra Club meeting:
The above helped to set a positive tone. There's so much that honey bees do for us!
This projection above states that GMO crops are not bee friendly, unlike organic farming.
Above shows a breakfast including foods made possible with honey bee pollination.
The above image shows the same breakfast, except bee-pollinated foods are removed.
The diagram above shows and explains the pollination process in detail.
Kristi Orcutt shows the dimensions and spacing of beekeeping trays make a difference.
Above is cover of one of several books on display at Catch the BUZZ!
Above is another interesting beekeeping book that was on display at the presentation.
Of course, all of us don't need to find a backyard beekeeping class to help make a difference for honey bees. However, all of us who have yards at our homes can help make a differences by having bee gardens!
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Are you looking to buy or sell a honey bee-friendly home in the Richmond Virginia area? Call me today, and let's get started on your journey!
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