Melissa Bees – Pollinating the Earth with Gardens and Hives
A student from class last Tuesday wrote to say:
I just want to do whatever I can to make it a happy place for the Bees……
That’s the spirit! Happy bees mean a happy garden and happy people and a happy and healthier earth.
What can you do to make an easy Eden for yourself and the bees? Put down your sprayer and let the dandelions grow! Take a close look at this image: the bee is foraging on dandelion. Dandelion is a terrific source of nectar and pollen for the bees and it is one of the first flowers of spring. Not only that, but dandelion greens are chock full of goodness for humans: www.organicfacts.net/health-benefits/herbs-and-spices/health-benefits-of-dandelion.html, especially human women.
The ubiquitous dandelion, brought to the US by the French settlers and their taste for bitter greens, has been demonized as a weed by the chemical companies. Why not? It’s an endless source of business- as the greens will die back to the root when sprayed, only to spring up anew from their deep tap roots!
So, my advice to you is to let your lawn grow a little longer- or, leave a patch of taller grass and dandelions for yourself and the bees. You’ll be surprised to see what else comes up. The bees also forage on grass pollen, which I will talk about in a future post.
Use the uplifting power of the dandelion to improve your energy and that of the bees in Springtime. Dandelion greens tossed with olive oil, tamari and salt is one of my favorite salads. How about you? Have any dandelion experience or recipes to share?
Bon apetit, mes abeilles!