Worker bees

One of the “slow down and listen” sounds of summer is that of  the honey bees collecting pollen in gardens and fields. These tiny powerhouse workers pollinate nearly 50 varieties of orchard and field crops, including apples, pears, cherries, peaches, melons, and squash. Each hive collects about 66 lbs. of pollen yearly.

Worker bees, all female,  literally work themselves to death during summer, usually in about 6 weeks. Their lifespan is 4 to 6 months in the slower winter season. Though there were native bees in North America when European settlers arrived, they were not nest-builders and makers of honey. So colonists began to import honey bees in the late 1600s.

Honey bees are doing pretty well on the Olympic Peninsula but populations have been decimated in other areas, including just north of us on Vancouver Island, B.C. Mites and disease have taken an alarming toll, threatening crop and honey production.

Beekeeping goes back to the stone age. Cave paintings show honey collection and beekeeping activities.

Wild beauties

One of the more gorgeous sights of early summer is the native nootka roses that bloom profusely in sunny areas. In addition to their delicate beauty they perfume the air with a heady, classic rose fragrance. They come and go within a couple of months, making their ephemeral beauty all the more special. By fall the bushes are covered with bright red hips.

Other colors at Purple Haze

Purple Haze is one of the earliest lavender farms in the region. In addition to gorgeous lavender fields the farm also has a guest house with a beautiful garden nearby. During the Lavender Faire in July lettuces in the raised boxes were just beginning to come into their own while the poppies and other blossoms were already gorgeous. Corn is growing in the background.

Amie's Garden part 1

I posted a shot of Amie’s Garden at the beginning of the month when they were putting up the display sign outside.  They have done even more work since then and I stopped by yesterday to look around.  I ended up staying over 30 minutes, talking with the owners and browsing around.  They have beautiful flower bouquets, hanging baskets, plants, lavender, and more.  In the bottom shot, the pot on the left came home with me.  I also got some flowers and lavender.  If you are local and haven’t stopped by you should check it out.  102 Vautier Road, see link.  I’ll post a couple more shots tomorrow.