Archive for August 19th, 2010

Two Honeybee Hives Pollinate, Fascinate in Family Garden

Posted in Learning Experiences, Wildlife on August 19th, 2010 by Plant Talk – Be the first to comment

See Honey Taken from Hive Saturday as Part of National Celebration

Toby Adams is Manager of the Ruth Rea Howell Family Garden.

Every day during the gardening season, the Family Garden is a hive of activity hours before visitors arrive. A diverse staff—coordinators, instructors, explainers, volunteers, and interns—zip about this way and that, preparing for the day’s programs. I’ve described this scene as resembling a beehive—the many tasks to be accomplished are shared by everyone, with necessary details divided and completed.

Veteran staff mentor new arrivals in how to get tiny seeds and delicate plantings off to a good start. Difficult projects are completed through teamwork and cooperation, and the most unglamorous but important of chores (cleaning the tools and washing the dirty dishes) taken on by a willing hand for the benefit of the group.

I’ve come to realize that this analogy to a beehive is most appropriate. Since May 1, I’ve had the awesome opportunity to witness the activity of a real beehive while helping to manage our newest addition to the Family Garden—two honeybee hives placed on top of our garage. read more »