GenSet 4 Bees, bees and flowers
For today’s GenSet 4 Bees column we talk about bees and flowers!
Flowers have been captivating humans for centuries with their vibrant colors and delightful fragrances. However, the reason for this beauty is not just for us but mostly for crucial players in the ecosystem: pollinators, especially bees. Flowers use their colors and scents as a way to attract bees and other insects to help with pollination, a process that is essential for the survival of 90% of flowering plants.
In this relationship, flowers offer nectar as a reward for the work of the pollinators. Nectar is the main source of energy and nutrition for bees, allowing them to feed and continue their work. This mutualistic relationship has evolved over millions of years and is crucial for the survival of many plant species and the production of many of the fruits and vegetables that we rely on for our own food.
Unfortunately, the use of pesticides and habitat destruction has put the lives of pollinators, including bees, at risk. This is why it is so important to create habitats that are conducive to their survival. By planting entomophilous flowers in our gardens, balconies or courtyards, we can help ensure that there are enough places for bees to feed and thrive. Some examples of flowers loved by bees include:
🌸Lavender: with a delicious fragrance and an inimitable color, it grows well everywhere and can withstand both intense heat and cold.
🌷Rosemary: It lasts all year round but the period of maximum splendor is just spring, when the small blue-lilac flowers appear
🌺Chrysanthemum: the bulb can withstand even the coldest climates, it gives its best in the months of October and November.
In addition to helping bees, planting these flowers also has many benefits for us. Flowers like Lavender are known for their calming scent, while others like Rosemary have culinary uses. Furthermore, by planting seasonal flowers, we can provide nourishment for bees throughout the entire growing season, helping to support the local ecosystem.
In conclusion, the beauty and fragrance of flowers serve a crucial role in the ecosystem and are a testament to the wonders of evolution. By planting entomophilous flowers and creating habitats for pollinators, we can help protect these important species and ensure the continued production of the foods that sustain us.
This is why we decided, a year ago, to adopt an apiary in our headquarter in Villanova d’Ardenghi and the next step will be to plant entomophilous flowers in our green spaces.
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