A Quiet Time With The Bees

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On Mondays, I often participate in a group blogging event.  Everyone writes about what's going on in their gardens.  It's fascinating, and oddly cozy -- as if friends had just popped by for a visit. 

But, as in all things, I'm a bit of an oddball in this group.  I don't weigh my produce. I don't keep spreadsheets of how much what I've grown would cost on the open market, and calculate my savings.  I'm content when I don't kill another food crop.  For me, gardening is about doing something that makes me happy. I love pottering around the garden, I love helping plants as they grow.

And I love noticing things.  Slowing down.  Looking around.  Being aware of the little things that are swirling around my too-busy life.




I particularly love watching the native pollinators that visit my garden.  The jewel-like green bees are particularly enchanting. 




One of my great joys in my gardening day is watching the various native bees (as well as my own honeybees) work the flowers that I've planted.  This cheerful bee seems to be sporting ironic facial hair.




This creature isn't a bee at all, but rather a bee mimic fly.  Do you see how the eyes are typically fly-like?  These animals are important pollinators, and are welcomed in my garden.

Even if you're not a gardener, even if you live in the middle of the city, considering watching a patch of flowers this summer. Pause and observe.  There's more going on than you may suspect.  Tiny insect dramas are playing out, for us to observe -- if we take the time.


For those interested in the weekly garden blog party, click on this link.

Comments

ibarbidahl said…
I love watching the pollinators in my garden. They are beautiful and what a good service they do!
Ha, I'm one of those oddballs that keeps spreadsheets for the garden. But then I have a spreadsheet for everything else too. It's the IT geek in me for sure! I'd say you fit in just fine, because gardeners come in all different flavors for sure. Those are great photos of the bees too. I love seeing all the pollinators that visit our gardens.
Tossing Dirt said…
When I was out working on the tomatoes yesterday I had a few bees flying all over my cucumbers. They certainly can buzz.
Daphne Gould said…
I certainly have my spreadsheet, but it isn't what I garden for. Like you I love watching the bees. I've been sad here so far this year as there haven't been many. I've yet to see a honeybee. A few small wild bees and a bumblebee or two. I really hope I see more later.
Lisa said…
No no no no. I admire the focus of everyone keeping track. I'm just not wired that way.
Lisa said…
I admire everyone who keeps track of their harvests. I feel very inadequate in comparison.
Noreen said…
Beautiful, beautiful post. Thanks.
I don't keep track of my harvest, but I do like to photograph it and document the harvest. It is nice to look back and acknowledge what all the hard work in the garden produced. The direct connection to work and food is rewarding no matter how you record it. I also love to marvel at the posts shared at Harvest Monday and enjoy seeing what my blogging friends are harvesting.

I love your bee photos. Gardening is a great connection with nature. The pollinators and pests alike often fascinate me.
Michelle said…
Guilty, guilty, guilty, yes I weigh and keep spreadsheets, that must be the old CPA in me. But I also get nearly giddy watching the critters in my garden. Anyone in earshot probably thinks I'm nuts because I'm constantly exclaiming, or talking to the lizards and the little Goldfinch that is sitting on her nest in the rosemary by the garden. I get so wrapped up in watching all the comings and goings in the garden it's a wonder that I get anything done out there. Yeah, gardening is as much about the process and being in the garden as it is about the end results.
Unknown said…
phote #3
what did you say to that bee to elicit such a glare?
cath said…
I was sitting outside this weekend watching the occasional blade of grass move. Every so often I would see the little critter causing the movement, but more often than not, I would miss it. I could have sat there for hours.

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