In My Garden

My wife was busy clearing the garden. My garden, though not big, is full of plants. Full always equals to a mess. Clearing was necessary in order to make the garden presentable, at least to ourselves. I was busy as well, busy at taking pictures. Actually I was inspired earlier by an article on snapshots of insects, they were great. That's why I started to hunt around in my garden for something. These "something" were nothing in my mind at first, I did not know what I could get.

The exploration started from plant to plant, from distant watch at the corner of my eyes to closer look from top to bottom. The effort finally paid off at the end. These "something" stimulated me so much, I re-visited my garden again this morning. I am going to tell you bit by bit from now on as too much excitement is not good for health.

The first wonder was on my longan plant. It hid under a piece of leaf and was well covered by others. It was a mini honeycomb. These bees had never paid any attention to my presence and the flash. And I had forgotten that bees might sting, luckily not these.

The next day, or to be precise, this morning visit had confirmed they were still there. Heavy rain had not ruined or wetted the structure. The architecture and design were simply great.

Looking closer I could see there were membrane with opening at the entrance of the cells. Further research confirmed that the bees seal the cells with wax when they are filled with honey.

The eyes of bees were black and big. They had not stared at me while concentrating on their work. Their bodies were slim to be envied by many.

To stay with them for half an hour confused me a little. I saw them moving here and there, there and here. I did not understand what value-added they had done. I am not a bee, they might not be busy for nothing.

Anyhow, they created my first wonder of the day.