Did you know that the SWQV Garden has its own NEW Pollinator Garden? It’s just beginning, with more plants and design ideas to come, but it is really livening up the under-utelized NE corner!
One of the Pollinator Garden volunteers, Pauline Candaux, has graciously put together a list of native– and some non-native –pollinator plants that will provide blooms throughout Spring, Summer and Fall.
Please click here for the list: Pollinator Plants
On Tuesday, May12, 2015 our Garden’s apiary experienced a swarm. Our Beekeeper, Carolyn Scott, has provided us with information on why bees swarm and what happens when they do:
“ Swarms are usually the result of congestion in the hive. They are normal and the way in which the honey bee, as a species, procreates. The swarming bees are led by older workers and the swarm has a queen in it. They leave behind a swarm cell plus about 1/3 of the original population. The swarm cell will develop into a new queen in the hive. Initially they are in disarray in the air above the Apiary. They soon come together in a large cluster (a swarm) and go to a near by location such as a tree, grape arbor, gazebo, bush. This a temporary stop over while their scouts look for a permanent home. They appear very menacing but are not. They are full of honey that they have ingested so they have food when they arrive at their new home. They feel like we do when we eat too much They will remain in this temporary stop over for up to 5 days depending on weather, finding a new home etc. The swarm makes a decision as to where it wants to go and they then take off. Could be a hole in a tree, or even a house! (like under the eves …)
How can you help us catch a swarm? If you see a lot of bees hovering above the Apiry or on their way to a tree etc, dont panic. Watch them as they form an organized large (or small) cluster and land somewhere. Then call Carolyn or Scott MacDonald and give us the location. If possible we will try to come to the garden and catch the swarm. This can become a new hive for us. Remember, dont panic! They are not interested in you, and we want to catch them.”
The Beekeepers were busy yesterday checking on the status of the swarm and preparing a box where they hope the bees would settle and decide to stay. As of now the bees that swarmed are no longer in the grape arbor or in the box that was left for them. Now all we can do is wait and keep an eye out. If you see a swarm of bees anywhere in the area, please let Carolyn know!
Carolyn
This Saturday’s first clean-up of the season is being postponed because of inclement weather. The new date is Saturday. March 28th.
NEW MEMBERS: Your introduction meeting, scheduled for the same time, is also postponed until next Sat.! Please watch e-mail for updates.
Members: The newly rescheduled first meeting of the 2015 Southwark Queen Village Community Garden will be held On Monday, March 16 at 6:30 p.m. in the Community Building of Weccacoe Playground. The first clean-up of the season is scheduled for Sat. March 21–time to be announced at the meeting.
Due to some snow storm-effect rescheduling, The Monday March 9 meeting of the Garden at Weccacoe Playground will be postponed. Updated date, time, and locations to be announced soon!
Don Shump and company will be viewing the honey house and hope to recruit some would be honey harvesters out of this presentation. There will be a reminder sign on the gate.
On Friday, April 27, 2012, the beekeepers will do an inspection of the beehives. It will be a detailed inspection lasting several hours. The populations are big and the beekeepers think the hives are full of honey and brood. Therefore the bees will most likely get all riled up and be in an unfriendly mood. The beekeepers will begin at 1:00 and hope to finish by 3:00.
On Monday, June 4th, a 3rd grade class from McCall will visit the garden. They are studying hunger this year, so who better to guide the tour than Janice, who will introduce them to the work of City Harvest.
Thanks, Janice!
The mulch piled behind the fig tree and west of the gazebo was donated by a group of gardeners for use in the flower gardens and fig tree area. Please do not use.
Nina has volunteered to guide Ms. Kuney’s Room 102 Second Graders through the garden on Tuesday April 17 from 2:00 to 3:00. This is Marcel’s son Oliver’s class, which makes it even more special. Thanks, Nina!