Since the strawberries began blooming, I’ve been keeping a close watch. Before the rains set in, there were hundreds of pretty, white blooms. I fussed and stewed, because I did not see a single bee to pollinate the flowers. My dreams of bowls of strawberries for shortcake and jam might not become reality. I had just decided I must make a trip to town (which I am loathe to do) to get a soft brush so I could transfer pollen myself, when I noticed this
Hurrah! It was a berry forming in the center of the flower. Soon it was followed by dozens and dozens more.
Each day there were more berries setting on, but the mystery deepened. Still there were no bees, no wasps, no insects of any kind even in the vicinity of the plants. Strawberries are not wind pollinated, so who is working so hard so that I can have a bounty of berries? Someone I can’t see despite my almost constant vigilance; someone quick and diligent; someone who wants strawberries as much as I. It must be fairies. If you doubt, go back and look closely at the pollinated flower. See the wee footprints on the petals?
Hi Carolee. Is it night moths…? I’ve just finished a beekeeper course so that I can get a hive into the back of my garden – have seen very few bees over here so far as well, though it has been a chilly start to the growing season. There is hope for us yet! Simone
LikeLike