Keeping the Bees by Laurence Packer

As most of us already know, bees are disappearing.  They play such an awesome role in nature and a world without bees would be much less colorful with not only few flowers but a lesser supply of food. Even our vegetable gardens would not really produce anything with the help of bees.

 

 Recently I had the opportunity to check out the book,Keeping the Bees and loved it.  With bees being responsible for up to one-third of our food supply, and the consequences of not taking action to protect them are frightening.  Most of us have already heard about the colony-collapse disorder and the threats to honey bees specially  but the read danger is much greater!  All bees are at risk, whether it be from loss of habitat, pesticide use or disease, among other factors

In Keeping the Bees, Laurence Packer, a melittologist whose life revolves around bees, debunks many myths about these creatures and takes us behind the scenes with scientists around the world who are working to save these fascinating creatures before it’s too late.

All in all I really enjoyed reading this book.  While like most, I had already knew that the bees were disappearing but being able to read the science behind it all and what all would happen as they disappear more and more was very interesting.  It also gives ideas for things you can do in your garden to help with the bees.  It tells how although roses, gladoili, delphiniums and monkshoods are beautiful flowers, they aren’t perfect for the bees.  Flowers such as asters, umbellifers, and squashes are great for bees and to try to grow native plants whenever possible. 

Since we do plant a veggie garden, we recently planted blazing star, goldenrods and coneflower near the garden because the bee love them and of course I need their help in order for my garden to produce.  Other plants are sunflower, Joe-pye weed, bergamot, evening primrose, cinquefoil, milkweed, willows and many more!

Keeping the Bees is currently available on Amazon for $12.69.