Punctuating the hives’ food stores in spring is beautiful blue pollen courtesy of Siberian squill, also known as wood hyacinth.

In late later summer another gorgeous blue appears in the stores thanks to borage (Borago officinalis). Seed borage in the fall for early spring blooms and in spring for late summer blooms.

Borage is one of those plants who once planted says, “Thanks, I’ll take it from here,” popping up EVERYWHERE in the garden—but not in an obnoxious way.

Help prevent robbing! Collect seed and sow borage along with broccolini on a regular schedule, and your bees will thank you when blackberry and fireweed are done and we head into the big dearth.

Reference: https://www.honeybeesuite.com/flowers-with-blue-pollen/

—Catherine MacConchradha