A Review of A Sting in the Tale: My Adventures with Bumblebees

Jo Ellen Roe June 22, 2015 0 Comments

bee_pollen_macro

This image of a bee shows us how pollination happens.

Perhaps you, like me, want to learn more about bees, since you are doubtless hearing that they are in dire trouble. To do that, I read a book I came across called A Sting in the Tale, written by bumblebee expert Dave Goulson, professor of biology at Sussex University, and founder of Britain’s Bumblebee Conservation Trust.

The book opens with this lovely dedication: “For Seth, my youngest son. May there always be a flowery meadow and the sight and sound of buzzing bees for him to enjoy.” ... Read More

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Lady’s Mantle: A Serendipity Gardens Favorite

Jo Ellen Roe June 1, 2015 0 Comments

Lady's mantle in spring

Pleated fans of Lady’s Mantle plants are always a joy to see in the spring.

When I first planted Serendipity Gardens, I had never heard of Lady’s Mantle (alchemilla mollis). Now, though, it’s hard to imagine not having these lovely plants.

Five Reasons I Love Lady’s Mantle

1. It has the cutest baby leaves ever — elegant little fans with pleats and a scalloped edge. In early spring,  Lady’s Mantle pokes up through the leaf litter, and is a sure sign that warmer days are on their way. For me, it is one of the first plants I go looking for in the spring, and I am always glad to see it. ... Read More

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Three Top Bee-Pleasing Plants for Your Garden

Jo Ellen Roe April 20, 2015 0 Comments

Swamp milkweed 2

This bee seems to be quite happy as he explores this sweet pink blossom.

The bees are in trouble. I did a quick Google search, which yielded three full pages of articles about this problem. If you read them, you’ll come away wanting to help. One way is to plant perennials that bees love.

What should you plant? This post will recommend three guaranteed winners: swamp milkweed, bee balm, and Lemon Queen perennial sunflower. These three will carry a garden from June through fall.

First on the Scene: Swamp Milkweed

The swamp milkweed (asclepias incarnarta) starts to bloom in June. It has lovely tight pink buds atop a two-to-three foot stalk. These buds open as the photo shows, and the bees come almost immediately. ... Read More

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Tracking Spring in Serendipity Gardens

Jo Ellen Roe April 13, 2015 0 Comments

Red winged blackbird

This faithful bird is a true harbinger of spring at Serendipity Gardens.

As I have blogged about previously, watching each year for the return of the red-winged blackbirds and listening for the spring peepers to start peeping are spring milestones that I track informally each year.

I also really enjoy watching the birds migrate north via maps like the 2015 Ruby-throated hummingbird migration map. It’s just so fascinating to think of those determined little travelers making their way to their summer homes each year. When I first looked at the map this year, the birds had reached just inside the continental United States. Now, they are entering Ohio and Indiana. Next stop: Michigan and beyond. ... Read More

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A Mid-Winter Green Treat: Matthaei Botanical Gardens

Jo Ellen Roe February 13, 2015 0 Comments

mbg Sign

Hungry for green while living in a white, snow-covered world, I decided to pay a visit to the Matthaei Botanical Gardens. Just entering the place made me feel good. It smelled of gardens and dirt and growing things — sweet smells indeed.

Matthaei Botanical Gardens, associated with the University of Michigan, has this to say about itself on the MBG website: “Matthaei Botanical Gardens is located in northeast Ann Arbor … Here you’ll find the conservatory; gift shop; classroom and meeting spaces; display gardens such as the Gaffield Children’s Garden, Bonsai & Penjing Garden, Great Lakes Gardens, and others; and many trails and natural areas. The Botanical Gardens are free [though parking is free only to members] and open 7 days a week.” ... Read More

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