Walking down the long borders at Wimpole Hall can be a dangerous activity. There are a lot of flying hazards, particularly during Aster season!
There’s an abundance of flowers, copious supplies of nectar and large numbers of bees.
The bumblebees are massive (queen buff-tailed bumblebee here I think) and clumsy in flight.
I’ve had several fly into my face in the last few weeks as they navigate down the narrow corridor of flowers.
I think the espaliers to either side of the borders act like a wave-guide, corralling their flight.
Those fur balls can pack a hefty punch (and occasional sting)!
It’s a minor occupational hazard, but it’s wonderful to see so many of them and I wouldn’t have it any other way!
Sometimes they fall asleep in the flowers and can be a bit drowsy.
Carder bees are particularly common visitors.
And for a brief period each year, when the ivy starts to flower (typically during September), there are also thousands of Ivy bees about. It’s worth looking out for these as they are fast fliers and delightful.
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Wonderful to see so many bees still hard at work.
Absolutely (except for the sleeping one of course! 😉 )
I still remember the first time I found a sleeping bee. It was an enchanting experience. I enjoy bumblebees particularly. Their buzziness is as much a summer sound as the cicadas.
I agree. I think it is the deep resonances in the sound of their buzzing that fills you with a sense of well-being!
Great set of shots, Allison! I love the little sleepy one! I’ve also seen sleeping bees and there’s just something so charming about that.
Thanks Tina! The sight of a sleeping bumblebee, which is such a contrast to the usual activity, makes it all the more endearing.
Lovely photos, Allison! My idea of heaven– in a garden, accompanied by the drone of bees! ❤
Thanks Eliza! I definitely miss the sound in winter and therefore can’t wait till we see the first bulb/bee combos in spring. But right now there are lovely zones of loud buzzing around the asters, flowering ivy and … under the strawberry tree!
How beautiful it all looks. I seem to hear them humming.
Thank you Susan! It is a sound you can easily imagine isn’t it? We just been watching Winnie the Pooh with our grand daughter and there was a lot of buzzing on that too, which is maybe why it is in my head now! 🙂
That double border is very impressive.
Thanks Paddy. It really comes into its own at aster time each year.
It was fascinating to read this Allison – thanks for sharing the experiences
You are very welcome Cathy! The walled garden is its own little world, especially with having an outer and inner wall. Over the last few years we’ve made special efforts to encourage wildlife, particularly insects (bug hotels, water and minimal winter clearance) and the difference has been very noticeable, all the way up from the bugs through to bird visitors and residents.
Sounds lovely