Sunday, April 18, 2010

Bee Happy!

Last summer we were worried about the paucity of honey bees but this year - as well as bumble bees - they seem to be returning and they love the proliferation of grape hyacinths and especially the shrub, orange berberis below which I beieve is berberis Darwinii.


Thes are Tulip Trumph - Negrita

Tulip Greigh - Pinocchio. The purple pansies behknd have bloomed all winter and - unusually- I haven't fed them.

The Bee's treat Berberis Darwinii - yesterday.
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17 comments:

Queenie said...

The purple tulips are my favourite, but then they would be, as purple is my favourite colour.

Pat said...

Queenie: purple - Queenie - purple - got it!

Elisabeth said...

Ahh the joy of open flowers, especially tulips. Thanks, Pat.

Anonymous said...

Sorry to go off-topic, but I've been expecting you to talk about volcanic ash and how it might be affecting you and your neighbours. But if your berberis shot is recent, your sky looks blue and clear.
We've had a friend from West Sussex staying with us for ten days and he went to Toronto Wednesday to get a Friday morning plane to Heathrow. He's still there and waiting waiting waiting.

Pat said...

Elisabeth: habitually I photograph too early before the shrub or flower is in full bloom. Too eager:)

Jack: you've anticipated tomorrow's post. The roof of the car felt gritty today and there was a hint of smog over Porlock Bay. I know of at least one family who are stranded abroad.

Charlie said...

Those are beautiful tulip hybrids.

Our bees have been extremely busy pollinating the citrus trees.

Anonymous said...

The bees were out in force this year on my Japanese Plum blossoms. The whole tree sounded like a diesel engine for three days.

Cheers.

Pat said...

Charlie: ooh to have citrus trees - the fragrance and the yummy juice.

Randall; I'd love a big billowing, blossomy blossom tree - but we have no room left.

OldLady Of The Hills said...

That Tulip Plant is GORGEOUS! The Color---YUMMMMMMMYYYYY! I love the other plant too---I am unfamiliar with it.'
So happy to read the Bees are back, my dear. I haven't seen any yet, but then, it is early for here.

Mage said...

They are so beautiful. Thank you.

Pat said...

Naomi: fingers crossed the bees will return to California too.

Maggie: glad you like them. I'm experimenting with bulbs in tubs as the beds are chock a block.

Gadjo Dilo said...

Mmm. I planted 6 six new (new in my garden, that is) varieties of tulip in the autumn - am particularly looking forward to seeing Angelique.

Ms Scarlet said...

I've seen some jolly big bumble bees... but not yet seen a tulip... and I like tulips.
Sx

Pat said...

Scarlet:I've come late to the joys of tulips and bulbs generally.

Pat said...

Gadjo : that is soooooo beautiful!

neena maiya (guyana gyal) said...

The bees here have gone into hiding because of the drought. I've been waiting for my bottle of honey for the longest while, to come from up-river.

Pat said...

GG: I'm using runny honey on rather tart raspberries at present. I hope yours comes soon.