AN ODE TO THE POLLINATORS
Bees are valued contributors to the bounty provided by Mother Earth. As pollinators, they are a valuable key to a self-sustaining environment; helping hundreds of other insects, animals and humans – each with their own important role in nature – to flourish. Because of their generous commitment to the ecosystem and simply because of their wonderful existence, protecting bees has therefore become an important endeavour around the world.
Bees and honey are intertwined like song and dance. This means that most initiatives to support and protect bees have mainly focused on honey bees. But honeybees are just one of the hundreds of bee species buzzing on our planet. Yes, there are hundreds of species of native, wild bees that also need protection, which live very differently from honeybees and therefore have different needs. For example, other species depend on pollen from just 1 flower (compared to the honeybee who is not so picky), do not live in hives and instead of producing honey, their only mission is pollination.
The huge number of bee species means that a particular species can simply concentrate on a specific plant. And here then lies the challenge: If wild bees disappear, so will their beloved plants and vice versa. And the dominance of the not-so-fussy honeybee means less food for the wild bee.
Want to know more? Listen to Vara Vroege Vogels’ podcast on this topic.
HOW CAN WE HELP ALL BEES?
As activists for this beautiful Earth and all its wonders, we are passionately committed to contributing to a prosperous life for all creatures. When we talk about our golden-black pollinators, we mean all species – from honeybees to bumblebees, to solitary bees, and everything in between.
Here are some ways you can contribute to a safe and abundant environment for bees:
● Having a natural, toxin-free, and wild garden
● Planting bee-friendly crops such as wildflowers (think thyme, lavender, comfrey, sunflower, field scabious, hollyhock, bird’s-foot trefoil, and blue weed). These wildflowers offer abundant nectar and pollen that bees can feast on and disperse.
● Support local, plant-based, regenerative, and organic businesses – especially agriculture. For example, check out No Shit Food.
● Connect with local initiatives and community gardens.
● Become self-aware of conscious, organic, and plant-based consumption, and promote choices and actions to benefit the Earth, biodiversity, and fellow pollinators.
Originating from De Peerdegaerdt and The Happiest Healthy Farm, Floral Nectar for Honeys is a proud supporter of these winged, buzzing creatures by creating a safe and peaceful haven they can call their home; our ingredients are the fruit of their natural passage.
Come on a journey with us to learn more about pollinators, the wonderful possibilities of plant life, and the surprises of nature.
