Backyard Orchard News
Monarchs 'n Milkweed
Monarchs and milkweed are in the news again. As well they should be. The declining monarch...
A monarch butterfly nectaring on a zinnia. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
This is a milkweed, the host plant of the monarch. This photo was taken in the Melissa Garden, Healdsberg. http://www.themelissagarden.com/ (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Going 'Rad'
It may not be the farmer's friend, but it's the beekeeper's friend. Wild radish (Raphanus...
A honey bee heading for wild radish. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Honey bee in motion. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Welcome Back, Painted Ladies
The painted ladies are on move. Butterflies. Scores of painted ladies (Vanessa cardui) are...
A female butterfly, a painted lady, nectaring on Spanish lavender on March 8 in the Benicia Community Garden. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Painted lady twists around for a better shot at the nectar. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Just Bee-Cause
In recent years, honey bees received neither recognition nor respect until commercial beekeeper...
Queen Turner inspects the beekeeping operation on the rooftop of the San Francisco Chronicle. Turner completed a 10-month stay in the U.S. and returned to Botswana where she is head of the beekeeping section of the Ministry of Agriculture in the Botswana government. (Photo: Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Bee breeder-geneticist Susan Cobey, formerly of UC Davis and now of Washington State University, examines a frame. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Why Bee Stings Can Be Deadly Serious
The Daily Mail, UK, recently reported a tragic case of a fatal bee sting that occurred in a...
This honey bee, in the process of defending her hive, is stinging Extension apiculturist Eric Mussen of UC Davis. That's her abdominal tissue being pulled out. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)
Close-up of two stings. (Photo by Kathy Keatley Garvey)