Precious sips

On a hot summer’s day, the garden hums with the sound of bees moving from flower to flower. Occasionally, one alights on the edge of a birdbath and probes the water with its tongue. As well as nourishing itself, it may be collecting water for the hive. In order for larvae to thrive, the beehive must be kept between 32-35ºC. When it gets too hot, the bees may partially evacuate, use their wings as fans, or use water for evaporative cooling. They rarely store water, but rather gather it as needed. A shallow pool can be a vital resource, and filling it with pebbles or corks helps lessen the danger of drowning. It is a simple way to encourage these essential pollinators to the garden.