We have been tempted to keep honeybees, but at this point are rearing a few 'homes' for mason bees. These are indigineous bees and are, something like, 90 times more efficient in pollination than honeybees. Mason bees pollinate even when it is raining and so far immune to the bee mite that has attacked a lot of Pacific northwest hives. I've read studies showing pesticides, herbicides and fungicides (yes, even including the cleverly marketed 'Roundup') kills micro-organisms, worms, insects and bees (and birds too). There are so many other solutions to combat pests, disease and weeds that are non-toxic. Unfortunately, we have been accustomed to believe that perfectly manucured lawns are a prestige symbol and add chemicals (even 'weed'n feed' mixtures and chemical fertilizers) without realizing how harmful they are. I'll get off my soapbox now...
GB! At our previous house we pulled up the grass, with a sod-remover, and planted bushes, trees and ground cover. I went 7 years without needing to mow. Now, at our new place I have over 2 acres to mow! We are slowly covering up the lawn and planting blueberries, raspberries, and herbs.
The easiest way to get rid of a lawn is plant overtop. If you plan to do it, I can give you some tips or go to my other blog for a few details.
I feel rather guilty too, as I still have not sent the hatch a b-day card!
9 comments:
Sure is a honey...
I got quite the buzz, when I saw it...
;)
http://www.cnn.com/2007/WORLD/americas/04/22/vanishing.bees.reut/index.html
Never thought about how truly important bees are to our survival. Very scary.
Sawsee, do you keep bees?
JDH
Hey qt! Hey JDH!
We have been tempted to keep honeybees, but at this point are rearing a few 'homes' for mason bees. These are indigineous bees and are, something like, 90 times more efficient in pollination than honeybees. Mason bees pollinate even when it is raining and so far immune to the bee mite that has attacked a lot of Pacific northwest hives. I've read studies showing pesticides, herbicides and fungicides (yes, even including the cleverly marketed 'Roundup') kills micro-organisms, worms, insects and bees (and birds too). There are so many other solutions to combat pests, disease and
weeds that are non-toxic. Unfortunately, we have been accustomed to believe that perfectly manucured lawns are a prestige symbol and add chemicals (even 'weed'n feed' mixtures and chemical fertilizers) without realizing how harmful they are. I'll get off my soapbox now...
Can I use you're soap box diatribe as justification to not mow my lawn this year?
It's such a pain...
GB! At our previous house we pulled up the grass, with a sod-remover, and planted bushes, trees and ground cover. I went 7 years without needing to mow. Now, at our new place I have over 2 acres to mow! We are slowly covering up the lawn and planting blueberries, raspberries, and herbs.
The easiest way to get rid of a lawn is plant overtop. If you plan to do it, I can give you some tips or go to my other blog for a few details.
I feel rather guilty too, as I still have not sent the hatch a b-day card!
No problem Sawsee.
Just come mow my lawn...
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