Hive Mind
Robert Bailey is on a mission to save the Roaring Fork Valley’s feral bee population, one swarm at a time
“They’re not my bees,” Robert Bailey corrects himself with a lopsided smile, before takin...
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Busy bees
Bob Bailey (profiled in our Summer 2017 issue) has built a business rescuing and relocating swarms of feral bees, and building custom hives. Now, Bailey has made his passion for saving the local honeybee population accessible to the public, with the release of “Bee Groceries.” The seed packets—designed by local artist David Eldred—contain organic, native beneficial plants (sunflower or borage; a flower mix is in the works) tailored to the tastes of the resident pollinator population. Both botanicals are “good sources of protein for bees,” says Bailey, and bloom mid to late season, thus providing essential winter nutrients for the insects. Bonus: Borage blossoms, which have a subtle cucumber flavor, are delicious in salads. Purchase seed packets at Sustainable Settings in Carbondale; or email Bob Bailey at vbailey169@msn.com for more locations.
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