A Passion for Pollen

I am always pleased each year when the Cosmos begin to bloom. It is the classic summer flower!

This bee looked to be quite smitten with this pink Cosmos bloom, and was tightly hugging the center of the flower. :-)

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The family reunion is over, and it went beautifully. We have spent some time this week at our favorite campground upriver, in our very favorite campsite, on a bend of the river.....with the sound of rushing water relaxing us in the day and lulling us to sleep at night. It has been wonderful therapy, after some very busy weeks!

Return of the Bees

This has been the coldest Spring on record, in the twenty years we have called this place home. I can count on one hand the sunny, warm days we've had.... those T-shirt kind of days when it is such a pleasure to work in the garden. But because they have been so scarce, I have enjoyed them all the more. It always amazes me how the sunshine brings out the hoards of various flying insects. Where do they all go to hide on the cold and rainy days?

This large Bumble Bee was deeply enjoying my one nursery purchase so far this year, Viola 'Etain.' I have been starting my own Pansies and Violas from seed the past couple of years, but couldn't resist this lovely, large flowered Viola with its soft yellow blooms, stitched around the edges with lavender. It has a light sweet scent.

Just as the bees have been in waiting, I am waiting, too.... for that next warm, sunny day. I will enjoy the buzzing of Bees and I won't even mind the wasps, because it will mean that Spring is finally here....for real.


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"Just living is not enough....
One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."

Hans Christian Anderson

Evening Entertainment

As I was watering the flower beds a few evenings ago, I couldn't help but observe how the bees were enjoying the Veronica. There was a constant buzzing going on around the plant, as several bees would come and go.

I watched them for awhile and then had to put down the hose and fetch my camera, to see if I could capture the moment.

This was the largest bee, who never left the plant while I was watching, but just kept changing positions. Here she is upside down.

This photo shows the the nice sac of pollen collected by this hard working bee. The worker bees are all female, daughters of the Queen.

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What better way to spend a summer's evening than watching and enjoying God's Creation?