I came across this poppy over 15 years ago, when we went exploring the then deserted prison island of Spike Island in the middle of Cork Harbour.
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The Spike Island poppy – From an abandoned prison island to my cottage garden
What Is Mad Honey – and Do Bees Make It in Ireland?
Mad honey is a rare toxic honey made when bees forage on rhododendron nectar containing natural grayanotoxins. Found mainly in Turkey and Nepal, it can cause poisoning.
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Artificial Bee Food: Solution or Symptom of a Failing System?
Scientists have developed artificial superfood for bees, said to contain everything they need to survive so that they don’t have to rely on pollen for colony survival. In normal circumstances, without pollen, honeybees cannot produce brood food to feed the larvae, but what will this development have for the future?
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Are Blackberry Brambles Good for Bees?
If you’ve passed a hedgerow in August, you would not fail to notice that the blackberries. I love picking and eating handfuls of sun warmed blackberries while out beekeeping to keep the energy levels up. But did you know that Blackberries or brambles are extremely good for honey bees and other pollinators?
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Why White Clover is the Best Clover for Honeybees
White clover is renowned as the best clover for honeybees, but it only yields nectar under ideal conditions. Have you ever noticed a field or lawn blanketed in white clover yet observed only a few bumblebees and no honeybees visiting the flowers? That’s because honeybees require the right temperature to access the nectar. Why the …
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Why Most Daffodils don’t Attract Bees
As spring blooms with the cheerful Daffodil, we’re drawn to its sunny presence. But did you know its botanical name Narcissus name comes from a Greek myth: A story of immense beauty and unrequited love with a tragic ending? And though the flowers are so pretty and happy, why do we rarely see bees and other pollinators on them? Let’s find out why many of these beautiful blooms don’t attract bees…
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Ramson & Wild Garlic – Habitat, Identification and Recipes
Ramsons, with their mild garlic flavor and versatile culinary applications, offer a delightful foraging experience for nature enthusiasts and food lovers alike. From the lush woodlands to the kitchen table, these wild wonders provide a bounty of fresh, seasonal ingredients to elevate dishes with their unique taste and aroma.
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Three Cornered Leek – An Invasive Delicacy Loved by Bees
The Three Cornered Leek is non-native but is considered a naturalised plant in Ireland. This allium, a member of the onion genus, is a spring delicacy that’s as beneficial to our pollinators as it is delicious on our plates. However, many as the whole plant is edible, it is possible to enjoy it all year around!
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Q&A How to Sow Wildflowers
Are you preparing a patch for wildflowers for bees and butterflies in your garden? Or going all out with a wildflower meadow? Here are some of the most frequently asked questions and answers when it comes to sowing and growing wildflowers.
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