Decorating Tips from Bees

Busy, buzzing pollinators bees are a gardeners best friend. Favorite fruits and vegetables would not grace our plates if it weren't for these flying friends. Well, now these little critters have gone a step further: home decorating. You've heard of The Not So Big House? Well, welcome to the bee's version! Using flower petals to make some of the prettiest little nests a garden fairy could ask for, this particular bee makes a number of these in close proximity and snuggles a single egg inside each one.

Inspired? Well, next to the row planted for the hungry add one specifically for the bees! By planting a row of flowers or setting up a section of native plants not only will pollinators be attracted to your garden, but those tiny immune systems will get a healthy boost in the battle against Colony Collapse Disorder. Get buzzzy!

Oldies but Goodies - Growing Heirloom Tomatoes and Peppers

Join Royer Held and Tom Scheper for Heirloom Tomatoes and Peppers this Saturday, April 17th! These two heirloom vegetable and gardening enthusiasts will be at the ready to impart some of their tried and true methods for growing organic tomatoes and peppers. Experienced trowels at the ready, Royer and Tom will share their favorite cultivars as well as tips for a beautiful and bountiful harvest. Don't miss it!

Heirloom Tomatoes and Peppers

Saturday, April 17th

10 - 11:30am

Leslie House,

Leslie Science and Nature Center

Registration required.

Can't make this one? Check out these upcoming classes and get them on the calendar!

Introduction to Composting

Saturday, April 24

10am - 12pm

Leslie House at Leslie Science and Nature Center

Join Geoffrey Kroepel to learn composting methods that suit the needs of every gardener. Basic composting principles will be discussed as well as different methods for making it.

Bees Up Close and Personal!

Saturday, May 1

1pm - 3pm

Dawn Farms

6633 Stoney Creek Drive

Ypsilanti, MI 48197

$7.50/per person

Lora Kadwell will lead a hands-on introductory class and honey extraction. Meet the bees, see the equipment, and give this sweetest of endeavours a try.

*Participants should plan to wear jeans, long-sleeve shirts, and shoes.

** Class size is limited to 15 members, so don't wait to register.

(Photo courtesy of Dharmuti via the Project Grow Photo Pool.)

Some Buzz About Urban Beekeeping

A handful of cities are allowing their citizens to keep bees to ensure that the little pollinators are around to help with the fruits and vegetables we love to eat. An exciting prospect for those who might not be interested in chickens - sweet versus savory perhaps - or for those who have chickens and want to add to their urban ranch or homestead.

And then you can attend this upcoming Project Grow class to get started with your own bees!

Introduction to Beekeeping
Saturday, March 14th
1pm - 2pm
Leslie Science Center