The Chinese New Year is associated with 'The year of...'    For instance, we are currently in 'The Year of the Horse'.  The next year we will enter, on February 19 will be 'The Year of the Sheep'.  These animals are derived from the Chinese zodiac signs.  Well, there are no 'Bees' in the Chinese zodiac, however the 'B's' are part of my business and personal mission/goals.  I have dubbed 2015 my 'Year of the Bees' and am committed to staying true to these today and everyday.

  Wishing you and yours a 2015 blessed with health, happiness and success.

Weeds, Dandelions, Please the Bees

Would you leave weeds in your lawn to save the bees???

Photo from Urban Farm Magazine Facebook page:  https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10152399514750132&set=pb.106494095131.-2207520000.1401074017.&type=3&theater

   
I was reading an old Urban Farm Magazine (Fall 2010) and I came across something very interesting that changed my perspective.  The article was "Bee Flys Into a Bar" by Cherie Langlois and there was an interesting sidebar titled, "Save the Bees".  Of particular interest was one paragraph was headed with 'Be Kind to Weeds' - really?  Weeds drive me crazy.  On my lawn, in my garden, I am always trying to figure out ways to keep them out.  However; this quote by beekeeper Michael Bush changed everything for me:

   "When bees look out over a yard full of nothing but grass, they see a desert with nothing to eat.  When they find a yard dotted with clover, dandelions and other weeds, they see food to forage"

   I started watching bees and yes, they certainly do like dandelions and clover very much.  I can't look at those weeds in my yard anymore with the same disdain, and I actually would feel guilty getting rid of them all.  So, now I have a new perspective on weeds, and you know what?  It saves me a lot of work and maybe I'll save some bees too. 

See things differently.  Look at something from a different perspective.

#MIBP3