The disappearance of  the honeybee population continues to BEE a problem and no real solution is immediate in addressing the problem.  According to Discovery.com, there may be more than one reason the bees keep dying,

We obviously think it’s more complicated than we first believed as in we don’t believe that we’re looking for a single virulent pathogen, although that can’t totally be ruled out. At first we were thinking that we’d find a single causative agent, a virulent pathogen sweeping through the bee population, and that doesn’t appear to be the case.

If these kinds of bees are of the honey nature, the population seems alive and well in spring tree,

When I heard a peculiar buzzing noise the other day, I looked up and saw there were hundreds in the tree.  I left quickly because 1) I’m a chicken, and 2) I was scared.  But the bee in my pink tree photo looks a lot like the honeybee in the article.

What do you think?

I love this real time moon flower opening!

Have a happy weekend!

Photo by electrasteph via flickr creative commons.

I just love TheoGeo and her new house (and now new lawn).  She shares a love letter to her lawn with us,

I sat on the porch and I watched. Red wasps and bumblebees were inspecting the flowering weeds. It took me a minute to stop freaking out about them flying around me, because I am insane. I tried to be all zen about it and not go fetch the Raid. My assumption is — always — that winged stinger-equipped beasts ALWAYS want to sting me, even if it means certain death for them. But I decided to just sit still, even when a hornet buzzed past my head. I cussed at it and then felt silly, like some paranoid Gulliver who thinks he’s under attack by a sprawling tiny army, but actually isn’t.

Magnificent!

Her photo via flickr creative commons.

My brother is a budding photographer who pays close attention to the beauty that nature provides.  Living in New Hampshire, I think he takes particular joy in taking pictures of the spring flower bounty.

When we got back to the office I logged on to the Bloom Clock and entered it in as my first bloom of the year. I hadn’t been there in a while (no flowers since October or so in these parts), so I checked my watch list.

Two days later, the same crocus:

I’m loving spring (except today it’s overcast and chilly!).

Happy St. Patrick’s Day!

Photo by Irish Fireside via flickr creative commons.

I can handle snow, but I’m over it for this year!  What’s been even worse for me is the COLD this year.  Come on spring!

What can you do around your lawn to get ready for the warmer weather?  What will help your grass grow lush and the flowers peak out from their winter snooze-fest?

Perhaps the easiest thing you can do is walk around with a rake and untangle the dead grass that’s knotted up from wind, rain, snow, sleet.  By doing this, nutrients can seep down into the root system allowing your grass to thrive.

Another step is to carefully examine your bushes, shrubbery and trees.  If you see a branches or limbs that are broken, trim them away - and trim closely to the trunk.

Finally, NOW is the time to do some weeding.  They’re dead now so get rid of them before they seed and spread.

Most importantly, enjoy the fresh air that this in-between seasons time brings.  Time to clear your lungs, clear your head, and get your hands dirty!

Photo by Mike Finkelstein via flickr creative commons.

I have a friend who is somewhat unusual.  She describes herself as a decorator, but her taste definitely runs to the eclectic so I’m not sure how well she does in the decor business.

Her yard is one to behold, though.  She and her family have worked hard to build a 12 foot fountain in the front.   In the remainder of the yard, we see her art work on display.  She has a combination of the wood cut outs of old people bent over gardening, Christmas snowmen, penguins, presents, and nativity scenes.  Wooden yard art can be very cute, but then again - everything in moderation is acceptable to me.

My only yard art is the American flag and a cross from Home Interior hanging on my porch.  I was doing a friend a favor by buying it.  I have some flowers and lots of trees.  I’d like to find tree faces to put on my bigger trees someday, but overall unless it’s something grown by mother nature, less is best.

Not really MY neighbor, but the yard of flickr creative commons photographer byrdiegyrl.  Our thanks to you for sharing!