Attracting Bees

Attracting bees to your garden is an important task that you should strive for. Why? Bees pollinate a lot of plants. How? Plant flowers and herbs.

Normally, we have lots of bees all over our growing plants in the spring, summer, and fall. In September of 2024, we bought two beehives and now we have even more bees all over everything.

Attracting Bees - 1/6-1/12/2025

Monday, January 6, 2025 - Attracting Bees

Happy Monday! Even though it is cold, the sun looks very pretty coming up behind the oak tree. It should get up to 53° and then go right back down to the 30s.

Good morning. It is currently 31° at 7am. Yes, the cold weather came in overnight and I am fairly certain that we've lost the tomatoes but maybe some of the cabbage and cold weather things are okay.

I just let the dogs in and the sun is coming up right now so I grabbed my phone and ran outside to take the beautiful photo above. As I did, I could smell the nasty scent of skunk in the air...It turns out that was the beginning of a very crazy day.

A Fun Morning

Normally, Matt or I unlock the buildings in the mornings. David does not. However, before I was even out of bed this morning, David got up in the dark and went over to the business. He forgot about the alarm and set it off when he opened the door. He put the code in and turned it off. Five years ago, we contracted with the alarm company ADT. This past year, they sold it off to a company called Everon. Everon uses people in India to do their customer service.

So David is thinking everything is fine and he goes about his business out there. Soon, he gets a call from a person in India calling about the alarm going off. Again, he thinks everything is fine and goes about his business. He comes back in the house and tells me about it. I cooked his breakfast and as he is eating it, we hear the store alarm go off telling us someone is here. At this point, I am in the bathroom getting dressed and someone knocks on the front door. It is 7:30am. We open at 9am.

David finally answered the door. Guess who? The sheriff. That guy in India called the sheriff here to say that there is a boogie man breaking in to David's Garden Seeds®.

The new guy who started on Friday was in Production and he said the sheriff went into Production with his gun drawn! Can you believe that? All because the alarm company who bought our alarm company hired a bunch of folks in another country who cannot speak English.

A few months ago, we tried to get out of the contract but they told us we would have to pay several thousand dollars to Everon so here we are going through this nonsense. We will finally be rid of them in October. My feeling is that we signed a contract with ADT, not with the folks who bought them out and won't use Americans to work for them. However, they don't feel that way. How stupid.

Here is our closed gate just so you can see what it looks like.

Back to this morning--It turns out there were two deputies from the sheriff's department and the gate was still closed when they got here so they had to climb over the gate. They parked their truck directly in front of the gate so no one could come in or go out.

Our employee got here to find the sheriff's vehicle parked in front of the gate so she could not come in to work. She waited because she had no choice. The deputies finally came out and climbed back over the gate. She asked them if everything was okay because she did not have a clue what was going on. They did not answer her, got in the truck and drove away. I just found all of this out after 5pm.

We had a busy day with quite a few customers for a very cold January day. But first, a woman drove in to tell me that several houses down, there was a group of sheep that kept crossing the road and she was not happy about it. I thought she was a customer or I wouldn't have even bothered to go out into the cold. She wanted to use our landline to call the sheriff. I explained to her that we did not have a landline.

In fact, when we moved out here, we tried to get a landline but the phone company said they no longer install them so we could not get one. No one had ever lived on our property before. It used to be part of a large peanut farm.

The lady did not care for that answer and continued to tell me about the sheep. Most of my time is spent here on this farm working, mostly inside of the buildings. I do not know who lives way down the road. We have a business to run and I don't have time to worry about sheep that I cannot even see from here.

After a while, I told her I could not be out in the cold anymore and I went back inside. I wanted to tell her that the sheriff had already been here today and once a day was enough but I kept that thought to myself.

I have no idea why she picked our place to stop and ask to make a phone call about some sheep that are blocks down the road. Why didn't she go to the house where the sheep were?

By the way, this is not the first time that people have come here complaining about sheep down the road. I have no idea why people don't care for their animals or why people think it is our responsibility to care about the animals of others. We are a business and we provide seeds to our customers which we can't do if we are busy sticking our noses into other people's business...

David ordered lunch in for everyone from Farm to Familia. It finally arrived and I took my first bite. Then customers drove in. Lol!

I spent most of my day waiting on customers and getting orders mailed out. I finally closed up shop and went home at 6pm because I was feeling bad from a headache and hunger. There are so many orders I did not get to.

Apparently spring seed ordering started on New Year's Eve and the orders just keep coming in. We are grateful but it sure keeps us busy.

Matt took care of the animals this afternoon and I was not outside when the sun went down so I don't even have photos to share.

It is supposed to get down to 28° tonight. That means whatever plants did not die last night should get finished off tonight!

I am hoping for a better day tomorrow.

Attracting Bees

This bee is flitting from flower to flower. Attracting bees is as simple as planting flowers and herbs in your garden.

Hey there, fellow gardener! Are you curious about the buzz in the air surrounding the attraction of bees to your garden? Well, grab your gardening gloves because we're diving into a world where your green thumb meets the delightful hum of bees. Let's talk about the essential role bees play in our gardens and why everyone with a patch of soil should be inspired to welcome these little heroes.

As someone who spends time in the garden, you might wonder why attracting bees is a big deal. Bees are nature's pollinators, buzzing from flower to flower, making sure plants can reproduce. Without them, the very flowers and vegetables we cherish could struggle to thrive. By inviting bees into your garden, you're supporting the great cycle of life that keeps your garden flourishing.

You see, pollinating plants is crucial. It leads to the production of fruits, seeds, and young plants, ensuring nature's perpetual bloom. Imagine a world without apples, berries, almonds, or your favorite pumpkins; that's a world with no bees to help with pollinating plants. That's why it's vital to champion their presence in your garden.

Now, let's get practical. If you're into gardening, attracting bees to your plot of land becomes indispensable. One powerful way to do that is by planting a diverse array of herb and flower seeds. Not only do these plants add beauty to your garden, but they also provide the nectar and pollen bees need to survive.

You might ask, "When should I plant these seeds to ensure bees come buzzing?" Well, the answer is as soon as your local climate allows. Ideally, you'll want your garden to have blooms all season long, so stagger your plantings to provide a continuous source of nourishment.

Think of your garden as a café for bees. They come in, sip on nectar, and exchange pollen like busy little patrons. The secret? Offering them a variety of 'dishes' or types of flowers. Some plants are absolute favorites for bees, and we'll explore which ones to consider for your garden.

Back in the day, my grandma used to say that color attracts creatures of all sorts, and she was right! Bees are especially drawn to blues, purples, and yellows. So, when planning your garden, make sure to sprinkle in shades of these colors. Lavender, sunflowers, and cosmos are excellent choices.

Tuesday, January 7, 2025

Don't forget that if you want spring tomatoes in Texas, your tomatoes should be started this month. Order your tomato seeds today! We recommend getting them from David's Garden Seeds®.

Good morning! It has been 28° here since around 2am so whatever plants were left alive yesterday are sure to be gone today. Thankfully, there was no rain so there won't be ice out there.

I just wrote a newsletter about January garden chores that will come out at 6pm today. If you would like to get a copy, subscribe to the David's Garden Seeds® newsletter before 6pm CST. Just put your email address in the white space that says "enter your email" and click subscribe. You will then receive an email asking you to confirm that you subscribed to the newsletter. Confirm it and you are subscribed.

I have so many orders to fill and send out today so I am going to get ready for the day and get out there to work. I hate to have to go out of the warm house into the frozen tundra but it has to be done. Matt says the animals are all fine out there. I am so thankful that he took care of them on this very cold morning.

I saw the sun going down through this window as I filled orders. I decided to go out and get a better photo. See the photo below.

What a grueling day! I closed up at 6:11pm and I feel like I haven't even scratched the surface! I had several people helping me but it was a lot. We started a wholesale program and we got a huge order in for that today. There are still quite a few regular orders that I am working on but there isn't enough time in a day!

The mailman said there will be no mail on Thursday because of Jimmy Carter's funeral. You know how it is for government workers. They get off for everything! I have never had off for any president's funeral unless it took place on a Saturday. But just keep raising those postal rates...

No customers came to the Farm Store today and I can't say that I blame them. If I did not have to be out in the cold working, I would have stayed in my nice, warm home.

Nacho and his crew were here this afternoon taking care of some jobs that David needed to get done. David is currently making salsa with our surplus of tomatoes. He also made a nice dinner. I got to clean up the mess. Yay me!

It stayed cold all day long. Tonight it is only supposed to get down to 35°.

I went out into the cold to get this sunset photo tonight. The colors are pretty.

Attracting Bees

Here is a bee on a luffa flower.

Speaking of lavender, it's a wonder plant for bees. They rank it highly on the nectar scale. Placing lavender around your garden not only adds a fantastic fragrance, but it also invites in the bees, maximizing your pollination points.

Another plant to consider is the humble marigold. Not only are they tough fighters against garden pests, but their vibrant blooms lure in bees for a delightful treat. A real win-win for your garden!

A personal favorite of mine is the echinacea, or coneflower. These hardy plants are adored by bees and bring a stunning visual appeal to any garden with their sizeable, daisy-like blooms.

Are you thinking about herbs? They've got so much more to offer than just spicing up your meals. Herbs like basil, oregano, and thyme not only thrive in our gardens but also attract bees with their subtle yet irresistible fragrances.

Now, don't shy away from letting some herbs flower. Once you see those little blossoms appear, you'll realize how much bees love them. It turns those plants into unexpected bee hangouts, boosting your garden's biodiversity.

Let's chat about borage—a vibrant addition to gardens that bees absolutely adore. With sky-blue, star-shaped flowers, borage can help keep the bee population healthy and active throughout the blooming season.

Another superb ally for attracting bees is the bee balm. With its bright red, pink, or purple blossoms, bee balm becomes an irresistible magnet for these busy pollinators. Plus, it's remarkably easy to care for.

Wednesday, January 8, 2025

The hydroponics tower in our store looks great since I added some fertilizer to the water. You can see our coffee and rice in the background.

Good morning. I woke up at 4:21am and could not go back to sleep. So I got up and read the book I just received from Amazon yesterday written by Shari Franke, The House Of My Mother. It is the story of disgraced child abuser, Ruby Franke. I used to watch her channel, 8 Passengers on YouTube. She is pure evil.

It is currently 6am and 38°. The high today will be 43° according to the weatherman. I know, you think it is fairly warm compared to upstate New York or Marquette, Michigan, but when it gets this cold in Texas, we are not okay.

I have printed out the new orders and there are quite a few plus I still have a bunch from yesterday that I did not complete. It is time for me to go out into the cold and get to work.

We got a lot of orders out in time for the mailman today. Once he left, I was able to complete a huge wholesale order so now that will not go out until Friday because USPS is not working tomorrow.

The temperature never got above 43° so I was miserable all day long, going back and forth from building to building.

David made the salsa and it smells very hot in the house. The sky stayed whitish-gray all day long but we did not get any rain. Tomorrow, there is a 90% chance of rain.

It is now 5:20pm so I am going into the house. The other workers are still here for some reason. It is just too cold to think about going out there again. Hopefully, once I get inside, I can stay there until morning.

The temp worker will be taking tomorrow off so we will not have that help.

Attracting Bees

Since we got our hives, we see a lot more bees than ever before.

Focusing on planting a mix of annuals and perennials can ensure that bees have something to feast on across the seasons. While annuals secure immediate results, perennials establish long-term resources for bees.

Do you love attracting bees in your garden? Sunflowers are your go-to! These towering beauties create an ooze of happiness and supply a hefty dose of pollen and nectar to bees. They're like the grand hotels of your bee-themed garden world.

Ever thought of integrating clover into your garden landscape? Clover blooms are small but mighty in attracting bees. They enrich your soil while simultaneously becoming a snack haven for bees.

While we're on the topic of unexpected garden heroes, let's mention hostas. Known primarily for their foliage, many hostas also produce fragrant, bell-shaped flowers that keep bees content.

If you've got a soft spot for wildflowers, incorporating these native plants into your mix is an excellent choice. Native plants provide the familiar signals that local bee species have evolved to recognize and love.

Science tells us that diversity is key. By having a varied garden, not just in color but in plant species, you create a rich tapestry that supports countless wildlife, including our buzzing friends.

So, whenever you see a bee landing on a flower, you can smile, knowing you're helping secure the future of gardening and enjoyment of fresh produce and beautiful flowers.

Thursday, January 9, 2025 - Attracting Bees

It was a rainy day for 13 hours! We very seldom get this kind of weather.

Good very cold morning. It is 39° and the high should be 43° again. According to the Weather Channel app, there is a 100% chance of rain at 11am today with the temperature at that time predicted to be 37° so it will not freeze. Then, starting at 1pm, there is a 99% chance of rain. We shall see. Most of my garden plants are dead. It is so sad.

We have a lot of orders to fill again. Of course, there will be no mail service today due to Carter's funeral. I think that is interesting. Jimmy Carter was elected president when I was a senior in high school. I will bet half of the USPS force wasn't even born then and those who were alive back then are mostly retired.

Matt just called. He is broken down again on Old Devine Road so David is off to find him. I need to get dressed and unlock this place.

David went out and found Matt who was using my car. They got the car moving. Meanwhile, Matt's car part came in so, hopefully, Matt will get to use it tonight.

Matt has been taking down more Christmas...how much can there be?

I have been pulling orders. I just noticed at 10:55am that it is raining. How about that?

Trixie, the pregnant goat is really getting huge. I hope she does not give birth during this cold spell.

It rained all afternoon. We had one customer who came into the store so I only had to get really wet one time.

The rain continued. I went in at 5pm and started making dinner. Matt was staying to watch Hell's Kitchen and he requested egg casserole and German pancake so I made both. We had a nice evening. It continued to pour. Matt left around 9pm and it was still raining. I think it stopped somewhere around midnight.

I made a ham and egg casserole with salsa and cheese. It was pretty good.

Attracting Bees

This is a blanketflower on our farm with a bee on it.

Ah, the satisfaction of watching a vibrant garden spring to life with both plants and bees working in unison—a feeling that warms the heart of any gardener.

You're not just planting seeds; you're planting sustainability, inviting a symphony of nature to play out in your backyard.

It's remarkable how something as simple as planting certain seeds can have such a profound impact on the world. Your garden becomes a small but significant part in supporting the ecosystem.

Remember, different species of bees have different preferences. By including a variety of plants, you're sure to cater to a wide audience of bee visitors.

The joy of gardening doesn't only stem from cultivating beautiful spaces; it's also about the connections you foster with nature.

Feeling the urge to grab some seeds yet? Good! Embrace that excitement and start planning your bee-friendly garden.

Speaking of planning, creating a garden without chemicals is vital. Avoid pesticides and opt for organic practices to ensure your space is welcoming and safe for bees.

Organic gardening doesn't just benefit bees; it also boosts the health of your entire garden ecosystem, providing long-lasting benefits.

Friday, January 10, 2025 - Attracting Bees

Here is a photo of our rain gauge. I thought I would see 3 inches but only saw 3/4 of an inch.

Good Friday morning. It is 6:30am and I am so cold but it is 37°. I don't know why the heater does not work much in this part of the house. It is not raining now.

I am anxious to see the rain gauge but it is still dark outside. There is not supposed to be any rain today so I hope everything can dry out. The high should be 50° but the low tonight will be 27°. That is just horrible.

Above you see our rain gauge. We only got 3/4 of an inch after all of that rain.

I was just looking at Facebook. The woke nonsense that is going through the country has hit my old high school in New York. They are trying to come up with a new mascot name for Roy C. Ketchum Indians. Reading the comments makes me sick. So much lofty woke garbage as they talk about how they are better than everyone else and can no longer support the Indians. It is such a laugh. I am glad my father had the good sense to get us out of the land of liberals and high taxes.

These white and purple violas are doing well in the cold.

We have some volunteer snapdragons that crept up in the cold.

Our violas and snapdragons are doing well in the cold. Most everything else has been frozen.

My father as a young man in the Air Force in the early 1950s.

Speaking of my father, today would have been his 94th birthday! That is so hard to believe. My father has been gone for 34 years.

We were supposed to have doctor appointments today in San Antonio. David canceled those yesterday.

A man called this morning asking if we have Celebrity tomato seeds. We ran out earlier this week but we just got some in and they were being counted. David told the man yes. He said he would be right out. We put a rush job on the Celebrity seeds. The man never showed up. Why do people do that? This happens more often than you think.

I finally got an appointment to have my hair cut. They took me at 1pm and it looks so much better. It is hard to find time to leave to get anything done. While we were in Devine, we stopped by Tractor Supply for worms for the chickens and treats for the goats. Then we went by Walmart for a few groceries.

We got back in time to see some friends of ours pulling out of our gate. They bought some spring seeds. We got to wave...

It was also decided today that we have Monday, January 20 off. It is Martin Luther King Day so there will be no mail. Also, it is President Trump's inauguration day and I want to see all of it. Therefore, we will be closed to the public and no workers will be here. The Farm Store will be closed.

Attracting Bees

Bees on a tray out of a hive. We got bees in September of 2024.

Another magic ingredient for attracting bees? Water! Bees need water like all living beings. Consider creating a shallow water source, like a birdbath, with pebbles for bees to rest on without drowning.

Just imagine—a relaxing afternoon in your garden, watching bees flit from flower to flower, knowing you're supporting something far bigger than just your backyard.

The beauty of this journey is how it transforms not only your garden but also your perspective on the role we play in nature's circles.

As the seasons change, you'll see how these small garden visitors contribute significantly to your garden's vitality and fruitfulness.

Bees bring a special vibrancy and sense of life to any gardening project. The sound of buzzing becomes a melody that grows on you.

Perhaps, most importantly, cultivating a bee-friendly garden is your contribution to the broader effort of sustaining bee populations, which are under threat from habitat loss and other environmental pressures.

Encouraging bees means you're playing a role in food security and the protection of our natural world, one beautiful bloom at a time.

Ever shared your enthusiasm for gardening with your neighbors? You could inspire them to join you in this fulfilling pursuit.

Saturday, January 11, 2025 - Attracting Bees

We had a beautiful sunrise this morning that I saw from the kitchen window. I went out into the Arctic freeze to snap this photo. You're welcome!

It is 26° right as the sun came up this morning. Why? I have to go out and feed the poor animals. The good news is that it will be 60° later so at least they can thaw out some. I do not want to go out in this crazy cold weather. I don't believe there will be much attracting bees today. Pretty much any type of flower is dead and gone.

David has a new sale that he wants me to run today. Once I get it all set up, it will be on the website pop up.

I have a ton of new orders as well as all of those that I filled but did not have time to mail yesterday. I need to get those taken care of this morning so the mailman can pick them up.

I am happy to report that I am alive after going out into the frozen tundra to feed the animals. There was a lot of frost. All of the animals are okay. Still no babies. Ever since Norton went back into the female goat yard, the girls will no longer eat treats from the goat treat cup. It is the strangest thing. They just run from me. I wonder what he said to them...

Matt showed up before 9am. Had I known he was coming, I would have waited and let him take care of the animals!

It is now 9:30am and 33° so at least the temperature is rising quickly.

At 9:55am, I was still in the house getting ready and I heard the store doorbell. I knew Matt would handle it. We don't open until 10am on Saturdays so I have time to do some things.

I got out here just before 10am and our other employee was here as well as Matt. There was a family in the store so I went in and greeted them and got the cash register ready. Then I fed the fish who were just too cold to come to the surface to eat. Poor things.

It is now 11:30am and, so far, that first set of customers has been the only ones so far. I have been in Fulfillment closing orders and I still have a lot to go. I have not pulled any new ones yet. It is a beautiful day, except for the cold, and right now, it is 48°.

It is now 3pm and 60°. The low should be 31° tomorrow morning. I just closed up and went in the house. I was busy with customers and orders so I still haven't set up the sale that should have started this morning. I will work on it now.

David has made our top 10 easiest to grow vegetables into a seed set that will be available soon for purchase or you can buy them individually.

I got the sale set up. It revolves around David's new article entitled Top Ten Easiest Vegetables To Grow From Seed. If you are new to gardening, I suggest you give it a look. If you want to order the top ten seeds, get your order in now while we still have a good supply of these seeds. Surprisingly, the orders are coming in a lot.

The sun is going down over my greenhouse. Another day is done.

At 5pm, I collected eggs and put everyone away for the cold night ahead. Then I started cleaning out drawers in my bathroom, waiting for Matt to come over for pizza and a movie. I picked up some frozen pizzas. I figured it would take about 20 minutes. Easy dinner. So I tossed expired meds and threw away things I no longer wanted or needed. It got dark outside but I did not notice. I was finally getting something done in the house after working on the business for most of the day.

Around 6:40pm, David yelled for me. He was hungry and wanted dinner. Then I realized that Matt still wasn't here and it was late.

I found my phone to call him as I preheated the oven and got the pizzas in. He said that just south of us, he had been sitting on the other side of some accident for 30 minutes but it was hard to see. He saw two sand trucks and two ambulances as well as several sheriff vehicles. We went out the front door and saw lots of lights. About 20 minutes later, Matt arrived.

I cannot find out what happened right down the road. Most of the time, someone puts it on Facebook but nothing is there about this.

PSA

I am seeing the above all over social media. I think folks are onto something. It is a great way to protect yourself. Just use a bit of common sense and mind your own beeswax as my grandmother used to tell me. I think it's about time I took her advice.

Attracting Bees

A bee on a Wandering Jew on our farm.

It's amazing how quickly your efforts can lead to community, where everyone plays a part in creating larger bee-friendly spaces.

Picture this: rows of blooming gardens linked together by shared purpose, creating a veritable haven for bees.

By leading by example, you show that creating a bee-friendly garden is simple, rewarding, and impactful.

As you become more familiar with bee patterns, you'll get to know what plants work best in your area for attracting bees and adjust accordingly.

Trends in gardening are pointing towards more sustainable practices, echoing the need to support not just plants, but all the creatures that help them flower.

Speaking of trends, have you tried your hand at making seed bombs? These little nuggets of potential can be gifted to others to spread the joy of bee-friendly gardening.

Detached from the ordinary, these seed bombs can spark interest in neighbors, friends, and family, rallying them to the cause.

Finally, always remember that every tiny step you take towards welcoming pollinators like bees creates ripples that extend beyond your garden gates.

Keep experimenting with new plants, expanding your buzzing haven with each growing season, and watch how bees become a permanent, valued feature.

Did you know that by attracting bees, your garden can potentially become a vibrant hub of education? Share your knowledge with others, especially kids, as they delight in the wonders of nature.

Bees open a window into the marvelous intricacies of ecology, pollination, and the beauty of interconnected systems.

Reflecting on your efforts in building a bee-friendly garden affirms the power of conscious gardening and the impact individuals can have on the environment.

Sunday, January 12, 2025 - Attracting Bees

Sunrise is pretty but I did not step outside. This was taken through a window that needs to be cleaned....

Good morning. It is so cold, 34°. The high will be 66°. I had better enjoy it because tomorrow the high will be just 59°. I am so tired of being cold already. How did I ever do this all winter long when I lived up north?

I noticed that my banana tree has been "trimmed" for winter by Nacho when he was here earlier in the week. I sure hope he knows what he is doing because it is basically gone.

Time to get brave and go out into the cold to feed everyone. I just don't want to...

I went out and nothing new. No new babies. No problems.

We went to church, came back, and Matt grilled steaks.

Unsolicited Facebook Messages

I receive a lot of Facebook messages from would be customers and folks who think they can build our websites better than we can every single day, most days it is three or four annoying messages. Yesterday, I got six! The final one was ridiculous.

Two people wanted to know if we ship internationally. We do not--too many customs problems.

Three foreigners from the Middle East wanted to build our websites and get us lots of Middle Eastern customers. First off, we do just fine building our websites. Second, we don't ship outside of the USA so what good would that do?

The sixth message was from a man here in the USA wanting to know whether or not I could guarantee him a great shopping experience on our website and then guarantee a great shipping experience. Can you believe that?

Sure, we can give him a great shopping experience because our website is user friendly, we have a lot of great heirloom seeds and other products, and we are having sales right now. I fill and ship most orders on the same day or the day after we receive them. But then we lose control...

You see, what I cannot do is guarantee that USPS will get his seeds to him in two or three days without losing the package. USPS says it takes about five days now to deliver a first class package. In quite a few hub post offices, they hold the mail for days, making the packages very late. I know this because my own packages can take up to two weeks to get here. We also get complaints from customers and find out that packages are being hung up at various hubs, the latest being the main post office in San Antonio. How about that?

No one can guarantee that USPS will get the mail where it needs to go quickly so I think it was a really stupid question to ask. Here is the deal:

We provide great seeds for sale at reasonable prices. We cannot guarantee that shipping will get there from any company that we do not control and neither can any other company.

UPS and FedEx are too far away and cost a lot more. Customers are already upset with the postal rates they have to pay. Our cheapest package to mail first class with tracking for a three or four ounce envelope costs $4.50. That is the USPS fee only. Then there are the envelopes, the labels, the ink, and the money it costs us to pay someone to mail the order.

Look at the beautiful Wolf Moon that came up between my pine trees as I was out feeding the animals. I am so glad I caught it. (Just pretend the electric lines aren't there.)

It is now 5:40pm and 62°. I just came in from getting eggs and kissing all of the animals good night. It is so cold out there that I don't know how it can be 62°. Everyone is fine.

Today is the second day this week that one of the chickens has given a brown egg. Before this week, we had not seen a brown egg since September. We are seeing a lot more blue eggs than white so I guess the Ameracaunas and the Easter Eggers are done molting. I believe the Leghorns and Leghorn mixes are also done. Now what about the Barred Rocks, the Rhode Island Reds, and the others that lay brown eggs? At least one of them is doing her duty again. Five or six of them are now almost five years old and may be tapped out. But some of them are not even three years old so there should be some more brown ones coming soon.

This spring, I will get some more brown egg layers. People like brown eggs better than blue or white. They have the misconception that brown eggs are healthier. (Spoiler alert: They are all the same nutritionally.) Our eggs are good because the chickens can root around in the dirt and find bugs and worms to eat in addition to the good feed and veggies that we give them. The more protein they eat, the darker the yolk.

We saw a stupid Facebook post recently. The person showed photos of dark yolks and said if your yolks look dark like this, the chicken is sick. LOL!!! We had such a good laugh over that. Everyone who knows anything about chickens at all knows that a light yellow yolk is coming from a chicken who spends all of her time indoors, eating just feed. You want a nice deep yellow to orange yolk.

The rabbits all enjoyed a carrot this evening. That little baby girl is growing up quickly. She is so cute.

Trixie was lying on top of the platform today, just like yesterday but there does not seem to be a hint of labor. How much larger can she get? I wonder if there is more than one in there...

Interestingly, Alice and Trixie decided to eat treats out of the goat treat cup again today. Go figure.

Also, I think the drying element in my dishwasher needs to be replaced. I turn it on but the dishes keep coming out all wet...Of course, the dishwasher has been used daily now for well over five years so we might need to replace it sometime in the near future.

David just told me that we are having dinner with some friends this week so I have something fun to look forward to. That doesn't happen often. Now I am excited!

I hope you all have a good rest of your evening. I am off to feed everyone in the house tonight. There are one hungry cat, three hungry dogs, and a hungry hubby.

Attracting Bees

Here a bee is flying by the sage plant in my store flowerbed.

So, next time you step into your garden, let the hum of bees remind you of the resilience and harmony that you are a part of.

With every new plant added for attracting bees, you're contributing to a greater movement—one filled with passion, commitment, and bees humming in chorus.

This journey naturally leads to a heightened appreciation for the small details that paint the big picture of a thriving ecosystem.

Each day brings new delights to your bee garden, fostering a dynamic, lively environment that beckons for exploration.

In creating a sanctuary for bees, you're not only enhancing your gardening experience but also leaving a lasting environmental legacy.

Like any great story, your garden's narrative will be filled with growth, blooms, and bees—humanity and nature intertwined.

To sum it up, embracing the mission for attracting bees through the simple act of planting herb and flower seeds transforms your garden into a haven of biodiversity. You're supporting not just your local environment but contributing to a global effort to sustain essential bee populations. Happy gardening!

Return from Attracting Bees to Our Sixth Year

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