What’s The Buzz?

I imagine there are few gardeners remaining unaware of the unexplained, much discussed decline over the last few years of honeybees in America. Various diseases and disorders have been blamed, reduced immune function has been noted, pesticides have been targeted but the decline continues. UC Davis has stepped up once again and, aided by funds from Haagen-Dazs, has taken an empty field and planted a honey of a garden. The grand opening is planned for September 11 from 10am to 2pm but the garden is already open to the public daily, from dawn to dusk, and admission is free!  The Haagen-Dazs Honey Bee Haven is located, appropriately, on Bee Biology Road west of campus and directions to the Haven can be found at the above link.

Pedestal Created By Art/Science Fusion Program

On the warm summer afternoon of my visit the haven was buzzing like crazy. A literal blooming bee buffet …nepetas, salvias, sedums, roses, prairie coneflowers, and more provided nectar and pollen for what must have been thousands of bees as well as wasps and buckeye, cabbage white and other butterflies.

The garden is not just a food source for the over 50 species of bees that have been identified here over the past two years of planning, planting and growing this garden. It is also meant to be a source of inspiration and information for home gardeners who some believe can play an important part in the rescue of the honeybee. Bees with access to pollen from a variety of plants have a stronger immune system than those that feed primarily on one source. Home gardeners can come to the Bee Haven and get information on what types of plants they can grow in order to help diversify the pollen sources in their neighborhood.

Basil and the Bee

At the planned grand opening speakers will include Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen of the UC Davis Department of Entomology faculty, landscape architect Ann Baker who helped design the garden, Melissa “Missy” Borel, program manager of the California Urban Center for Horticulture, UC Davis, who has been overseeing the development of the garden;  Diane Ullman and Donna Billick of the UC Davis Art/Science Fusion Program who are responsible for several pieces of wonderfully appropriate art displayed in the garden; and native pollinator specialist Neal Williams, assistant professor of entomology at UC Davis. Visitors will have opportunities to get questions answered, children will be able to participate in several activities and everyone can sample free Haagen-Dazs ice cream. Other food will be available for purchase.

It promises to be a fun, informative time for the whole family so bee there or bee square!