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Growing Season Update May 22

We are seeing many of the trees blossoming, the above pictures are of apples, lilac and pear blossoms. Our weather has been a littler erratic, it has been 80 degree one day and next day it is in the upper thirties. It is odd to watch the trees start to blossom when warm and than stop when cold, only to start again a few days later. Personally I anticipate the heavenly lilac scent that signals a transition into summer. I have to take deep breaths and enjoy it while it lasts

Once the blossoms begin the bees and the wind do their part by pollinating the blossoms. Soon the petals fall from the blossoms and the blossoms that become pollinated make small fruit.

This year there are fewer bees, the majority of the honey bees did not make it through the winter; much has to do with the cold weather and according to BIRC (Bio-Integral Resource Center) Neonicotinoids is a large contributor to the honey bee’s decline. These same pesticides have been banned in France, Germany and Italy because of their impact on pollinators.

I have not seen honey bees working like other years, although there are some large bumble bees around which also make great pollinators. Honey bees will travel up to two miles to gather pollen, so even if some one uses pesticides in their backyard and they are not aware of the harmful effect of pesticide they are inadvertently exposing pollinates; which consequently will raise their food prices because of lower crop production. Maybe someday we can follow suit with France, Germany and Italy and ban neonicotinoids.

Until Next Time
Marian Listwak