GardenBanter.co.uk - View Single Post - Garden Report: Squash Borers Wreak Havoc as Japanese Beetles Invade Raspberries

13-08-2003, 07:42 PM

In article ,
oway (Tyra Trevellyn) wrote:

From: Phaedrine Stonebridge Date:
Mon, Aug 11, 2003 12:11 PM Message-id:

In article ,
Pat Meadows wrote:

On Mon, 11 Aug 2003 00:10:31 -0500, Phaedrine Stonebridge
wrote:

On the more humorous side, just as it was starting to turn dark
last evening, I reached down to pluck what I thought was a raspberry,
as we walked in the garden. When I felt fuzz, I backed off. Yes, it
was a gigantic bumblebee! In fact, a whole gaggle of them were
sleeping in the raspberries. Do bumblebees sting?

They sure do, and it really hurts - I've been stung by them more
than once. They don't usually seem to be aggressive, though.

No I have not usually found them aggressive either. They sure like
the Lamb's Ears!

I can't tell you how many times I've grabbed a bumblebee by mistake,
usually whilst deadheading, when they're having a snooze under or
inside a faded flower. All I get is a warning buzz; I've never been
stung. Sometimes I almost want to test my luck and pet one.
Actually I've never once been stung in my garden and I get right in
there with the bees when I'm working. I adore watching them, no
matter what.

Best, Tyra nNJ usa z7with a wee bit of sun today.....

I also love watching them. In the very early morning when the aether
has not yet been cursed by the sounds of revving engines, I like to mull
around among them as I tend the garden, pretend the bees have welcomed
me to their domain and that their little buzzes are pleasant gossip they
exchange while performing their daily tasks.

Phae