Jan Norris: Food and Florida

By now, you should know that the honeybees of the world are in trouble. Their numbers are declining and it has scientists and the food industry frightened — as well it should.

Bees are vital to our food supplies. No bees = no food. Think about never having a fresh orange again.  Without pollination of orange blossoms – or any million other foodstuffs – we will lose that food.

Give the bees a wing-up in your garden

 Learn what you can about the bee population decline, then do what you can to help. Pesticide use is your first defense — let’s take care of our own lawns and gardens and use bee-friendly options to prevent other pests.  Go here to visit Gardens Alive – a terrific organic gardening site, and check into Pyola, stuff that controls garden pests but doesn’t hurt bees.

Take time to research soaps and homemade teas made from garlic, cayenne and other herbs that you can spray to prevent certain pests, too.

[By the way: Gardens Alive has organic pet care items: Dog and cat owners — take note!]

Shake your stinger and waggle your wings!

Back to the bee video — these siblings and their friends rap about the honeybee plight in this homemade video that’s gotten a lot of attention – it’s too funny! Thank you, Deb Moose (my grilling columnist) for pointing it out on your blog.  (Love the Einstein bee!)