Portland Design’s Post

World Bee Day   On this day Anton Janša, the pioneer of beekeeping, was born in 1734 and all around the world we are celebrating bees today.   Fact: Honey bees have small hairs (interommatidial hairs) that grow on their eyeballs....    Although there are many fun facts about bees, there are equally some major facts that we simply cannot ignore.   The UN says that pollinators – creatures such as bees, butterflies, bats and hummingbirds – are under threat because of farming around the world intensifying and from the use of pesticides. If the number of bees continues to decline in the way they are at present, it would have a significant impact on our day-to-day living. Crop production would suffer, and in turn reduce the food we eat, especially fruit and vegetables such as apples and tomatoes. The intensive use of pesticides used to help crops grow by farmers and gardeners affects bee nesting sites, reduces their access to food and exposes them to harmful chemicals, which in turn weakens their immune system. What can we do? Planting bee friendly plants in their gardens, primrose and aubretia in spring, honeysuckle, lavender and yarrow in summer, and ivy, hyssop and ice plants in the autumn.   Leaving patches of lawn to grow 'wild'    Encourage councils to plant wildflower meadows and leave grass verges to allow wildflowers to bloom.    Tomorrow, when you spread the thick amber syrupy honey on your toast - have a think about how it got there and raise a slice to the bees outside in gratitude.   https://lnkd.in/evJd5Pj6   #WorldBeeDay #Savethebees #kingsleygreenrecruitment #sustainability 

Bees are vital to our ecosystem. They pollinate the flowers that become our fruits, vegetables, and nuts. Without them, our food supply and biodiversity would be in jeopardy. However, bee populations are declining due to factors like habitat loss, pesticide use, and climate change. The good news is, you can make a difference right in your own backyard. By planting zinnias, poppies, and sunflowers, you can create a bee-friendly environment that supports these crucial pollinators. Zinnias are a favorite among bees for several reasons. They provide an abundant supply of nectar and pollen, essential for bees’ nutrition. They bloom from early summer until the first frost, offering a consistent food source. Lastly, bees are attracted to bright colors, and zinnias come in a variety of shades, making them highly appealing to our buzzing friends. Poppies are another excellent choice for supporting bee populations. Because poppies often bloom early in the season, they provide a critical food source when few other plants are in flower. Poppies also produce a large amount of pollen, which is a crucial protein source for bees. Additionally. poppies are hardy and easy to grow, making them a practical addition to any garden. The last flowers we're going to discuss are sunflowers. Sunflowers are not only stunning but also incredibly beneficial for bees. Sunflowers produce large flower heads packed with nectar and pollen. They bloom over an extended period, ensuring a steady food supply for bees throughout the growing season and their height and size make them easily visible to bees, drawing them in from far away. You can rest assured that when TriOrganics comes out to service, that our treatments are always bee friendly. 🐝 #triorganics #allnaturalpestcontrol #pestcontrol #mosquitocontrol #tickcontrol #organicpestcontrol #beefriendly

Happy #WorldBeeDay Hopefully, many of you managed to get out in the sun this weekend. I made the most of it and did some long-overdue fence painting. I took some breaks in between to enjoy the flowers, as did many of the bees and one butterfly that fluttered by. It's always lovely to watch them close up and see their legs full of pollen when their work is done. On December 20, 2017, the United Nations General Assembly adopted by consensus a resolution declaring 20 May as World Bee Day. The aim is to raise public awareness and attention around the world on the importance of protecting and preserving bees and other pollinators. A third (if not more) of the world's food production depends on bees*. Without all their hard work pollinating vital crops we wouldn't have apples, soft fruits, beans, courgettes, tomatoes, peaches, raspberries, strawberries, potatoes (chips and roasties!) and so much more. We might not starve without them, but a plate of food would be a lot less palatable. About 70% of flowering plants, or 20,000 species, depend on these pollinators. Pesticides, diseases and parasites have seen bee populations decline; the UK is one of the world's most nature-depleted countries, with only half of its biodiversity left. If you would like to help bees in return for all that they do for us, you can grow lavender, marjoram, borage blue, rhododendron (I keep mine in a large pot), and ivy. Ivy flowers in the autumn months when bees are building up their winter stores and other sources are in decline, although be cautious as ivy can be a little greedy. *Except for the cuckoo bee, which doesn't collect pollen from flowers. Instead, it 'steals' it from other bee species by waiting around the other bees' nests and choosing their moment to slip in and grab the pollen. #pollen #biodiversity #foodproduction

I’m sure everyone knows that today is: 🌼🐝 National Don’t Step on a Bee Day! 🐝🌼 Let’s take a moment to appreciate the tiny yet mighty bees that play a crucial role in our ecosystem. Bees are essential pollinators, helping to produce the food we eat and maintaining the health of our environment. Here are a few simple ways we can protect our buzzing friends: Watch Your Step: Be mindful of where you walk, especially in gardens and grassy areas. Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Fill your garden with flowers that attract bees, such as lavender, sunflowers, and daisies. Avoid Pesticides: Use natural alternatives to keep your garden healthy and bee-friendly. Support Local Beekeepers: Buy honey and other products from local beekeepers to support their efforts in maintaining bee populations. Let’s all do our part to ensure that bees continue to thrive. Remember, a world without bees is a world without many of the foods we love. 🐝💛 #DontStepOnABeeDay #SaveTheBees #MeaninglessHashtags

🐝 Happy World Bee Day! 🌼 These small but mighty creatures play a crucial role in our ecosystem through their tireless pollination activities, helping our flowers bloom and our crops flourish. Bumblebees: Heroes of pollination  Industrious by nature: Bumblebees work diligently, visiting flower after flower to collect nectar and pollen. Their hard work ensures the reproduction of plants and the production of seeds. 🌻 Unique buzz pollination: Did you know? Some plants rely exclusively on the special ‘buzz’ that bumblebees create to release pollen. This vibration is essential for the pollination of crops like tomatoes and blueberries.  🍅🫐 Adaptable foragers: Unlike other bees, bumblebees can forage in cooler temperatures and lower light levels, making them vital pollinators throughout the changing seasons. 🌥️   Let’s '#BeetheChange:'  Create a bee-friendly habitat: Plant a variety of UK-native flowers in your garden to provide a rich source of nectar and pollen throughout the year. 🌼🌸🌻🪻 Avoid pesticides: Use natural alternatives to pesticides, which can harm bumblebees and other beneficial insects.  🐝🪳🐞 Educate our youngsters:  Tell our young people all about how brilliant and important bumblebees are and teach them not to be afraid.      Bee Kind in the Right Way:  A resting bumblebee isn’t always a stranded bumblebee.  Move one out of harm’s way only if they might be stepped on, otherwise leave for 45 mins.  Think #FlowersFirst.  If there aren’t any flowers nearby, sugar water should be a last resort and honey is never recommended.       #WorldBeeDay #BumblebeeConservationTrust

Today, BEE aware! It's "Don't Step on a Bee Day", a day to celebrate the humble bumble and all the bee varieties. Here are some ways you can participate in Don’t Step on a Bee Day: ** Don't step on or swat any bees. ** Plant Bee-Friendly Flowers: Plan your summer garden to grow a variety of flowers that attract and support bees, such as lavender, sunflowers, and marigolds. ** Avoid Using Pesticides: Reduce or eliminate the use of pesticides in your garden to create a safer environment for bees. ** Support Local Beekeepers: Hit up a farmer's market for locally produced honey or check out the grocery store for some locally made sweetness. Get their buzz on the health of local bee populations. ** Create a Bee Bath: Place a shallow dish of water with stones in your garden to provide bees with a safe place to drink. ** Educate Others: Share information about the importance of bees and how to protect them with friends, family, and on social media. (source: https://lnkd.in/ep9DUfms) So today, catch a quiet moment in a garden to watch those gorgeous honeys and chonky bumbles flitting through the flowers. Spread the word by sharing this post to your circles. #DontStepOnABeeDay #SaveTheBees #BeeConservation #PollinatorProtection #BeeFriendly #NetWebComParty #ActionsForImpact #AquaticBiosphere

A bee-friendly garden is crucial for supporting bees in pollination and ecosystem health. Supporting the crucial role of bees in pollination and ecosystem health involves creating a bee-friendly environment in your garden. This can be achieved by planting native flowers, which are attractive to bees due to their abundant nectar and pollen. Additionally, providing a water station for bees can help them stay hydrated safely. By placing stones or floating corks in a shallow dish of fresh water, you can create a suitable watering spot for bees. It's also important to refrain from using pesticides in your garden, as they can harm bees. Instead, choose natural pest control methods and attract beneficial insects to maintain a balanced garden ecosystem. By adopting these practices, you can not only draw bees to your garden but also contribute to their well-being and the overall health of your garden. ©Senol Vijayarathna #native #promoting #conservation #wildlife #fashion #agriculture #nature #bees #sustainable

As our planet faces increasing drought and rising temperatures, it's crucial to explore crops that can withstand these challenging conditions. 🌞 🌱 From familiar veggies to ancient grains and medicinal herbs, there's a diverse array of resilient plants to cultivate. 🌾 🥦 Vegetables like artichokes, Brussels sprouts, and sweet potatoes thrive with minimal water, providing essential nutrients even in arid climates. 🌱 Beans such as lentils and chickpeas not only survive but thrive in drought conditions, offering a protein-rich option for sustainable agriculture. 🌾 Ancient grains like amaranth and fonio have evolved to withstand water scarcity, offering nutritious alternatives to water-intensive crops like wheat and rice. 🌿 Medicinal herbs like lavender, chamomile, and echinacea not only survive but flourish in dry climates, offering natural remedies for common ailments. Ready to cultivate your own drought-resistant garden and embrace sustainable living? Explore my Medicinal Seed Garden Kit for an easy way to get started! 🌿🌻 You can find it on my website. 🌱👩🌾 Head to https://buff.ly/4aduHZU for more valuable insights, tips, and resources on cultivating resilient plants in a changing climate. 🌱💡 #aloneshow #nicoleapelian #naturalwellness #wellbeing #selfhealing #herbalmedicine #naturalmedicine #naturesmedicine #nicolesapothecary #herbalremedies #droughtresistantcrops #resilientplants #sustainableagriculture #climateadaptation #waterconservation #medicinalherbs #dryclimates #gardeningtips #sustainableliving #droughttolerantvegetables #waterconservingcrops #resilientgardening #sustainablefarming #nutritiousgrains #droughtresilience #gardeningkit #medicinalseeds #sustainability #changingclimate

Thankful for this community! Here's a treat. How to grow your own plant food! In the garden, comfrey attracts pollinators and other beneficial insects. Their (very) large leaves also shade the soil and provide habitat and their purple flowers attract pollinators. Comfrey is also a potent medicinal herb. Here I’m talking about growing comfrey to make a bioactivating teeming-with-microbial life and nutrition garden tea. As a fertilizer, comfrey leaves contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as micronutrients. In compost and in our compost tea, comfrey is a bioactivator. As a bioactivator, comfrey balances out the carbon to nitrogen ratio which in turn jump starts the microbial breakdown of nutrients. Amazing!! You can also spread chopped comfrey over your garden as a green manure. Although I have a fertilizer company, I think it’s important to explore other ways gardeners can feed their soil and plants. Nature loves diversity, and it’s fantastic for your garden to get inputs from lots of different sustainable sources. Nothing is more sustainable than growing your own fertilizer. Please let me know if you have any questions in the comments!#biodynamicfarming #soilhealth #microbiallife #greenmanure #comfrey #medicinalherbs #organicgardening #fertilizer #veganic #vegan #sustainability #permaculture #compost #biodynamic #ecosystem #vegetablegarden #pollinators #beneficialinsects #organicplants #plantcare #homegarden #kitchengarden #herbgarden #medicinalgarden #climateaction #plantbased #animalfree 

Beekeeping, also known as apiculture, is the practice of maintaining bee colonies to collect honey and other products like beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. A single bee colony can produce up to 100 pounds of honey per year, though average production is around 30-60 pounds. Honey is the primary product of beekeeping and is in demand for culinary and medicinal uses. Bees are vital for pollinating many crops, contributing to the agricultural sector by enhancing crop yields. Some beekeepers rent their hives to farmers to provide pollination services, especially for crops like almonds, apples, and berries. Products from the Hive: • Beeswax: Used in candles, cosmetics, and polishes. • Propolis: Known for its antimicrobial properties, it is used in health supplements and as a natural remedy. • Royal Jelly: A nutrient-rich substance fed to queen bees, it is valued in health and beauty products. Managing bee health is crucial due to threats like Varroa mites, Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), and pesticides. Healthy bees are essential for productive colonies. Beekeeping supports biodiversity and ecological health. Bees help pollinate wild plants, supporting ecosystems and wildlife. Beekeeping can be a rewarding hobby and offers educational opportunities to learn about ecology, biology, and agriculture. #YPABees #YPAAgribusiness