Leaving 2008 - Hello 2009!

Well, the balmy weather didn't last. Right now it is about 18 degrees out there with high winds and blowing snow. Actually, I enjoy the cold and snow -- it's a good reminder that it's still a few months before I can actually do anything outside. (I tend to jump the gun every year!) Anyhow, I'm enjoying my bee forage plant research and have met some really nice folks online who have offered comments and suggestions as to plantings, etc. Thanks all -- and keep 'em coming! :-)

On "The Melissa Garden" website they publish a list of forage plants aimed at honeybees. Elderberry shrubs are mentioned. It gave me pause to consider that not only should I focus on herbs and flowers, but I will need blossoming trees and shrubs in the sanctuary for more all around appeal for pollinators.

So I started cruising the web and eventually contacted a winery that specializes in elderberry wine where they grow their own berries. The vintner said that bees do indeed go nuts for the blossoms. He sent pics of huge shrubs in bloom and they were breathtaking! He also advised as to which type of elderberries seem to get the most attention. Great info (thanks Jack!). Since then I've tracked down a good supplier in NY from which I will be ordering a collection of 8 rooted cutting of 4 types of elders this coming spring.

Now I'm going to confess here, that I've never really liked elderberries and much much prefer blackberries (*drool*). But my choices for the gardens now are not aimed at pleasing myself anymore. It's for the pollinators and so elderberries it is! And while the bees will forage on the blossoms, eventually there must be those berries to deal with! ;-) Ah well.... I can only hope that the birds will enjoy the harvest. But should there ever be an over-abundance, I will make good on my plan to make juice, jams and jellies and then give it away to folks that help and support me in this sanctuary project. A true 'thank you' from the bees and pollinators.

Now I think it's time to put out some more food for the birds, throw another log on the fire, refill my coffee, and then just veg out for the rest of the year.

I wish us all well in 2009! Take care and 'bee good' .