Honey Bees: A Powerful Pollinator-May 21 at 10:30AM-Middletown

Garden Club R.F.D. Explores the Amazing World of the HONEYBEE

On Tuesday, May 21, at 10:30AM, Angela Juffey, a Master Gardener, will present a program called, “Honeybees: A Powerful Pollinator”, at the Little Red Schoolhouse at 951 Middletown Lincroft Road in Middletown.

Pollinators are animals, usually insects, that through their activities, move pollen grains from one part of a flower called the “Anther” (that is part of the stamen where pollen is stored) to another part called the “Pistil” (where pollen is germinated). About 80% of all plant pollination is done in this way and is called “Biotic Pollination”. It occurs when insects, like honeybees, visit plants for feeding.

Honeybees are flying insects and close relatives of wasps and ants who are found on every continent except the Antarctica. They have a long straw like tongue called a proboscis that allows them to drink the nectar from deep within blossoms. Pollinators like honeybees and pollinator-dependent plants have a relationship that is a two-way street! Pollen is a great source of protein for the honeybee while the nectar produced by the flowers of the plant are a great source of carbs and a sweet snack. In exchange for providing these nutrients, these insects help distribute the plant’s pollen and aid in reproduction.

According to the American Beekeeping Federation, approximately $14 billion worth of crops are pollinated by honeybees each year—truly amazing little creatures and “super pollinators”.

Join Garden Club R.F.D. on May 21 to learn more. It should be fascinating! Garden Club R.F.D. is a nonprofit organization and a member of the Garden Club of New Jersey and the National Garden Club.

Call Nancy at 973-452-4846 for further information about the club or the program.