Flower communications were among the surprise inspirations for Park Gardener Yuko Sato, who discovered more about her bee allies in Ecovillage Findhorn’s gardens, which she has tended for many years.
“I have always wanted to join this workshop because I know that bees are gardeners’ friends, allies and colleagues – I’m a volunteer in Park Garden. I also enjoy making candles and balms using beeswax, but I realised I didn’t know very much about the bees themselves. It turned out to be such a fun and inspiring day!
“John Willoner and Jonathan Caddy, the beekeepers who led the training, are incredibly knowledgeable and warmly welcomed the four of us into the fascinating world of bees. We began by learning about honey bees. What inspired me most was hearing that flowers send vibrations to bees to signal whether their nectar and pollen are ready, and that bees can sense these signals and communicate the information to other bees.
“I love standing near a cherry tree and listening to the buzz of busy bees collecting pollen. Knowing that these bees are responding to signals from the tree, and sharing information with one another, makes this social, non-human world feel even more enchanting.
“We also put on beekeeping suits – the ones that make us look like astronauts – and visited the actual beehives.
“Before approaching the hives, Jonathan and John encouraged us to stay calm, explaining that bees are sensitive to our movements and emotions. We took a moment to tune in and settle ourselves, and I imagined that this kind of Findhorn way of attunement must be beneficial for both beekeepers and bees.
“Each hive had its own character. Some colonies felt gentler, while others were more active and a little more alert. It was fascinating to see the beautiful comb structures the bees create. Some combs were heavy with honey and full of developing baby bees.
“We also had the opportunity to make part of a hive structure, watch videos about bees, and observe them closely with magnifying glasses.
“I felt so much awe and gratitude for bees and all that they do – not only for sharing honey with us, but also for pollinating plants and helping to sustain the natural world. I am really looking forward to joining the workshop again, hopefully on honey harvest day! Thank you so much, Jonathan and John – and, of course, all the bees!
“If you are interested in joining the next workshop on the 22nd August, I highly recommend it! Or you can join ‘Thursdays with Bees’, which takes place every Thursday from 10am-12.30pm, or visit FHT’s calendar to find more workshops.”
Yuko Sato
Community member and Friends of Park Garden volunteer