Happy Bee Day! The UN has chosen May 20th as World Bee Day. This date "coincides with the birthday of Anton Janša, who in the 18th century pioneered modern beekeeping techniques in his native Slovenia and praised the bees for their ability to work so hard, while needing so little attention." In celebration of bees, here are some great books to check out if you're interested in beekeeping, making your garden more bee-friendly, or simply learning more about bees and the threats facing them today.
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Buzz : the nature and necessity of bees
by Thor Hanson The conservation biologist and award-winning author of The Triumph of Seeds and Feathers presents a natural and cultural history of the bee that traces its evolution and varieties while evaluating the environmental hazards placing them at risk. |
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Victory gardens for bees : a DIY guide to saving the bees
by Lori Weidenhammer Shares plans and guides for planting a garden that will attract bees and serve as a healthy sanctuary for these insects suffering from declining populations. |
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Following the wild bees : the craft and science of bee hunting
by Thomas D Seeley Describes how to "hunt" wild bees, which means capturing and feeding a swarm of honeybees and then releasing them in order to follow them to their nest, enjoying the majesty of nature along the way. |
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Save the bees with natural backyard hives : the easy and treatment-free way to attract and keep healthy bees
by Rob McFarland The founders of a Los Angeles-based nonprofit dedicated to protecting honeybees reveals how a relaxed beekeeping hobby can prepare inexpensive equipment, attract wild bees and keep a honey-producing hive without chemicals to help protect local bee populations. |
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Queenspotting : meet the remarkable queen bee and discover the drama at the heart of the hive ; includes 48 queenspotting challenges
by Hilary Kearney At the heart of every bee hive is a queen bee. Since her well-being is linked to the well-being of the entire colony, the ability to find her among the residents of the hive is an essential beekeeping skill. In QueenSpotting, experienced beekeeper and professional “swarm catcher” Hilary Kearney challenges readers to “spot the queen” with 48 fold-out visual puzzles — vivid up-close photos of the queen hidden among her many subjects. |
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The backyard beekeeper : an absolute beginner's guide to keeping bees in your yard and garden
by Kim Flottum Features information about bees, beeswax, and the modern rules of beekeeping with do-it-yourself tips for safe and fun beekeeping. |
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The beekeeper's bible : bees, honey, recipes & other home uses
by Richard Jones Provides a history of beekeeping, discussing bee culture, managing hives, and harvesting, with recipes featuring honey and instructions for craft projects using beeswax |
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The complete guide to beekeeping for fun & profit : everything you need to know explained simply
by Cindy Belknap For anyone who has ever considered beekeeping as a hobby or source of side income, this is the book for you. |
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The rooftop beekeeper : a scrappy guide to keeping urban honeybees
by Megan Paska Offers information on urban beekeeping, as well as twenty-one recipes for enjoying honey in baking and cooking, and five formulas for salves, beauty products, and beeswax candles. |
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The bee-friendly garden : design an abundant, flower-filled yard that nurtures bees and supports biodiversity
by Kate Frey Beautifully illustrated, a guide written by an award-winning garden designer and a bee expert shows readers how to create an organic, pesticide-free and ecologically sustainable bee garden that can provide an impressive increase in yields and better-tasting produce. |