naturalPollination
Bees and apple blossoms are synonymous with spring! The pollen gathered on the bees legs represents hundreds of flowers visited in a single morning. The pollen is stored in the hive as a special nutrient used to produce mating bees and new queen bees.
Bee pollen is sold as a dietary supplement and is touted as containing many of the minute trace nutrients and minerals missing from commercial vitamins. Obtaining the pollen from a reputable bee keeper is important, to ensure the quality of the flowers - if too much pollen is harvested from the hive irrepairable damage can occur and will harm the bees. Bee Pollen has an interesting flavour; I sprinkle it on toast with honey and eat it just like that, some people whir it in the blender with their orange juice.
Cooperation
Here we have a common ant aiding a peony in it's quest to blossom. A waxy coating that covers the peony bud is enjoyed by the ants and as they remove it, the bud will be able to open - which will be in another week or so depending on the weather!
Doesn't that just make you wonder - how are humans linked with the natural world? How do we cooperate with nature to the best good for all inhabitants? This is a goal we can keep in mind when approaching our days and when making choices that include nature. ( re: choosing NOT to litter, choosing to plant native varieties of plants, choosing to garden naturally...) there are many ways to achieve the goal and raise our own awareness of how humanity fits in with the natural world!
That is the rainbow way - following the cues from nature teaches us much, should we only choose to observe!
