Comment by JumpCrisscross
19 hours ago
TL; DR Honeybees aren’t native to the Americas. Bumblebees are. And bumblebees get outcompeted by honeybees. That’s terrible, because bumblebees promote plant biodiversity in a way generalist honeybees do not. Putting a honeybee hive in your yard or on your balcony is fine. But it’s agriculture, not conservation.
There are lots of native bees getting wiped out by Varroa destructor carried viral infections. The imported hybrids used in agriculture are more productive, and are currently being bred to have the desirable trait of cleaning/nibbling the legs off mites.
Bumblebees do just fine in most places, as they go after my geraniums like a fool with a hole-punch every year. We have several local variety, and they are an important part of the ecosystem.
The mite & foulbrood damage means most agriculture businesses euthanize hives when a problem becomes obvious. Hence why they also over-produce queens, as people know most colonies will not make it right now. The beekeeper community are some of the kindest folk you will ever meet, and people are doing their best given the situation. Have a wonderful day. =3
Oh, to be clear, I have nothing against beekeepers. As I said, it’s fine to have a backyard apiary. But it’s also important to know that it’s having an impact on the local bumblebee population. Depending on where you are, that could be fine or it could be stressing an endangered species. (I’m in the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. We’re advised to avoid honeybees.)
What's with geraniums? I remember they look nice but don’t smell.
They smell like carrots when you break the fading blooms off, they tolerate high heat and full sun, and they are pretty. Flowers for gardens, not arrangements.
Geraniums do well controlling invasive beetles, and local humming birds also seem pleased. Some of the smaller flower variety are pleasantly scented, and easy to clone. However, it is not a good plant choice for people with pets.
Mustard (Sinapis alba) is nice if you like pleasant smelling little yellow flowers, low-effort resilient plants, and spicy food. =3
The author is Hungarian, he isn't talking especially about the Americas, but he has a more general stance.