Monday, April 21, 2008

Return of the Bees

This has been the coldest Spring on record, in the twenty years we have called this place home. I can count on one hand the sunny, warm days we've had.... those T-shirt kind of days when it is such a pleasure to work in the garden. But because they have been so scarce, I have enjoyed them all the more. It always amazes me how the sunshine brings out the hoards of various flying insects. Where do they all go to hide on the cold and rainy days?




This large Bumble Bee was deeply enjoying my one nursery purchase so far this year, Viola 'Etain.' I have been starting my own Pansies and Violas from seed the past couple of years, but couldn't resist this lovely, large flowered Viola with its soft yellow blooms, stitched around the edges with lavender. It has a light sweet scent.





Just as the bees have been in waiting, I am waiting, too.... for that next warm, sunny day. I will enjoy the buzzing of Bees and I won't even mind the wasps, because it will mean that Spring is finally here....for real.


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"Just living is not enough....
One must have sunshine, freedom, and a little flower."


Hans Christian Anderson


17 comments:

Kylee Baumle said...

Great photos of your bees, Connie! We're all a-buzz here, too! The trees are flowering and humming all at the same time. ;-)

Jane O' said...

Wonderful shot of the bumblebee.
I'm sorry, but I ALWAYS mind the wasps.

Catherine said...

The lavender 'stitching' around the butter yellow viola are you, Connie! You are just as delicatly colorful. Thank you for the reminder that spring does exist somewhere not far from me. We are still receiving snow every day.

Cheryl said...

The viola is all the more stunning for the humble bumble. My mason bees have just come out of their units and are all around the garden. It is a wonderful sight. Pop over and take a look if you have some spare time.

Melissa said...

I love the first photo - so pretty.

We were still getting snow the week before last. Last week was dry. Last night we had a long soaking rain and now the grass is green - hurray!!

Victoria Williams said...

Love your viola choice. I haven't been brave enough to go to the nurseries lately. Our "to buy" list is so short this year due to lack of funds, that I'm afraid it will be painful to pass everything by!
Oh well, window shopping can be fun, too, right???

Anonymous said...

Connie:

I love that delicate pansy. I have been hearing the bees all day.

Ki said...

Those bumble bees are about the earliest and certainly most industrious of all bees. Wonderful photos.

Anonymous said...

I have wondered the same thing. Where do they go? I hope that we are done with the cold weather, but we sure could use a little rain.

Anonymous said...

That is a pretty flower, and one that I haven't seen. A few days ago, I spotted a bumblebee, but have not noticed small bees around yet. So much to look forward to!

Jane O' said...

Please stop by blog to pick up a well-deserved award :)

Unknown said...

Hi Connie --

Great bumblebee photos -- and a beautiful flower!

Have a wonderful day!

Anonymous said...

OH, my what lovely photos... I love the color of this Pansy & what a BIG BEE... I just found your blog & I willllllll be back.

Thank you for sharing your garden.
Blessings 2 you, Pamela

Miranda Bell said...

Hi Connie - sorry it's been a while since my last visit - but these are stunning pictures - not always easy capturing bees as they tend to move so fast!

Happy Gardening.... Miranda

Shady Gardener said...

Great photos! What fun. ;-)

Miranda Bell said...

I thought I recogised this little viola - I used to have it when i lived in the UK and have never seen it since - did you grow this from seed - I'm intruigued!

Just flicking through your posts - what lovely photography... will come back for a longer browse when I've got a bit more time and it's not SO late! Miranda

Connie said...

Miranda - No, I bought this plant at a local nursery. I think I read somewhere that this one doesn't produce seed....so I will treat it as a perennial and hope it comes back next spring.