beekeeping books — Bee Plants

A beekeeper’s diary will be among books featured November 9, 2023. (charlotte ekker wiggins photo)

You’re invited to Meet Authors

Let’s face it, you’re a beekeeper and you don’t know why you should know about plants. Well, your bees will depend on plants for their food and flight fuel so one of the first steps we recommend beginning beekeepers is to get to know what’s growing on your property.

If you are new to this side of beekeeping I have a fun event for you. You are cordially invited to National Garden Bureau and Garden Communicators International's virtual book party “Authors Talk Gardening” Thursday, November 9, 2023 6 P.M. CST/7:00 PM ET online. They will feature four exciting gardening books and their authors, followed by one-on-one author breakout rooms. Pre-register via Zoom

So tickled to be asked out of thousands of authors. So who are you going to meet besides me?

• "Susan Betz is an Honorary Master Gardener, author and garden communicator. She has been actively involved in growing and using herbs to educate the public about gardening and the natural world for more than 35 years. Susan is a member of the International Herb Association, Garden Communicators, the Ecological Landscape Alliance, and National Garden Bureau. She is a life member of the Herb Society of America and a charter member of their Native Herb Conservation committee and the Society’s sustainable garden initiative. She is the author of How to Grow Beautiful Herbs Indoors, For Flavor, Fragrance and Fun.

And herbs, by the way, are one of the six plant families that feed bees.

• Shelley Cramm loves to see the ancient words of Scripture come alive in today’s gardens. She is the author of My Father is the Gardener, writes regularly for her Devotions Blog and speaks to garden clubs and faith groups about plants of the Bible and the garden connection. Her background includes a Master of Architecture, work in architectural and garden design, and leadership of Bible study groups, Toastmasters International, and Garden Communicators International. Inspiration to write about plants grew out of a routine of morning journaling and an enduring hope to finish the laundry and get out to the garden.

Shelley is an inspiration and how you, too, can connect with your garden.

• Michael Perry, AKA Mr. Plant Geek, hails from the U&K and is a fun and cheeky persona who has been involved in gardening and plants since he was just five years old. Mr. Plant Geek encompasses both an online and TV personality. He also fronts a successful blog and has created a unique range of clothing and accessories made for “Plant Geeks.” His book is Hortus Curious, a visual menagerie of the weirdest and wackiest plant species, written in a very accessible way.

Our friend across the pond has featured some unusual plants; fun reading!

• Charlotte Ekker Wiggins is an award-winning author, beekeeper and gardener. Her one acre Missouri garden, where her neighbors said nothing would grow, is now a Monarch Way Station, Certified Wildlife Habitat and working apiary. She featured how she developed Bluebird Gardens April 2019 in her TEDx “why bugs matter.” As a Master Gardener Emeritus, she focuses on native plants that provide food and cover for native bees and other pollinators. She is also a Great Plains Master Beekeeping Certified Master Beekeeper, developing books and classes to help beekeepers learn scientifically based best management practices. She keeps native and honey bees, mostly outdoors."

Besides meeting the authors, there will be book giveaways for in-person attendees and you may get holiday gift ideas, I know I did getting to know these authors.

So mark your calendars for November 9, plan on what tea you're going to sip and pre-register here.

See you November 9! Charlotte