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Post by Cherry on Apr 15, 2015 21:12:11 GMT
That is a cute story SueA. It really made me smile. It really wanted to be with you. I saw one of these red bumbles on the washing line. The first red one I have seen. Funny, as there were no flowers there. |
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Post by sweetpea on Apr 16, 2015 12:05:17 GMT
While looking at a plant this morning one of these bee flies landed right in front of me. naturally I didn't have my camera handy  |
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Post by peony on May 31, 2015 14:06:29 GMT
While clearing the violas from the front raised bed to make it ready for the New Guinea Impatiens, I saw a furry all black solitary bee digging a hole in the very dry soil close to the front wall of the house. She was dragging the soil backwards from the hole using her back legs to push it out the way. It was fascinating to watch  There are a couple of other holes nearby but I didn't see any bees going into them. Now I know they are there I'll avoid that end when I plant the Impatiens. |
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Post by SueA on May 31, 2015 18:34:42 GMT
I woke up a huge white tailed bumblebee which was under the compost in one of the hanging baskets I was changing the other day. I put it on the erysimum 'Bowles Mauve' plant where it flew in & out for a while & then flew off, hope it found somewhere else to sleep!
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Post by ste b on Jun 1, 2015 17:46:15 GMT
My mate grows 3000 tomato plants and uses bees to pollinate , the good thing is this year I think we have actually banned something from the EU imported bees, British bees for him this year the down side is they have gone up £10 a box
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Post by dianthus on Jun 5, 2015 20:08:58 GMT
Just been watching Gardeners' World and my old acquaintance, Gareth Baker, was on, passing on a bee swarm to Monty Don.
About ten years ago, Gareth was one of my food forum members and I took him and a few others to a London Food Show, then he was helping Phillipa Forrester with her hive and now he seems to be the 'go to' bee keeper on telly programmes. So proud of his success.
Great honey, too, especially the starflower his bees collect.
Anyone who needs to get in touch with him, let me know. |
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Post by SueA on Jun 5, 2015 20:42:35 GMT
I've recorded the programme dianthus so I'll look out for him. I like bees but it seems like quite a stressful job nowadays keeping them safe & healthy. |
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Post by SueA on Jun 9, 2015 19:39:04 GMT
I watched the programme dianthus , your friend was very informative & it was very interesting especially the way the bees made their way up the ramp into the hive. They should be very happy in Monty's massive garden! |
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Post by daitheplant on Jun 16, 2015 19:33:37 GMT
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Post by dianthus on Jun 16, 2015 20:03:41 GMT
Talking of bee swarms, this lot were settling in on an apple tree somewhere in Newport.   It has been the swarmest day of the year so far.   Did you call a beekeeper out to take care of them? |
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Post by daitheplant on Jun 16, 2015 20:11:06 GMT
There are 2 hives on site Di. The owner of them has been asked for help with the swarm.
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Post by SueA on Jun 16, 2015 20:31:06 GMT
Swarms always look scary but I keep reading/hearing that the bees in a swarm won't attack you because they have nothing to defend as they don't have a hive/nest/pollen/young to protect, I still wouldn't want to get too close without someone who knew how to handle them though.
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Post by Cherry on Jun 17, 2015 6:06:32 GMT
I mentioned this point to my friend and neighbour who has two hives only now and she said it is not strictly true and she dresses for the collection. I am pleased she has some now as I have hers in my garden.
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Post by daitheplant on Jun 17, 2015 19:56:30 GMT
I was working in the next door garden this morning and took this pic of the swarm at 8.45  They DO have something to defend Sue, the queen. Treat them with respect, give them plenty of space and, basically, leave them alone and you will be fine. |
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Post by Deleted on Jul 18, 2017 18:25:44 GMT
I'm a bit concerned about this bumblebee I found in one of our bug boxes today.   |
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There are a couple of other holes nearby but I didn't see any bees going into them. Now I know they are there I'll avoid that end when I plant the Impatiens.
