Today, August 16th, marks the annual celebration of National Honey Bee Day, and we here at LGBG are proud to be a part of this observance. This year’s theme, “sustainable gardening begins with honey bees,” is very appropriate because overall beekeeping is a backyard industry. Most beekeeping activities occur in municipalities, towns and suburban areas, rather than traditional farms.[1]
The growing popularity of backyard gardening and sustainable gardening has ushered in a greater concern for honeybees by advocates of green living. More than ever, environmentally consciousness citizens are getting involved in the effort to save honey bees. As we learn and practice sustainable gardening techniques, we better understand and appreciate the important role that honey bees play as garden pollinators. Thanks to the political actions of local gardening enthusiasts, several municipalities and townships have removed anti-beekeeping ordinances and restrictive codes.