Bower Place is buzzing with excitement as we take a big step toward sustainability by adding honey bee hives and BeeHomes to our property in partnership with Alvéole. These additions are part of our commitment to supporting local pollinators and fostering a closer connection with nature. Recently, Rhonda from Blackfalds won a $200 shopping spree with her creative name “Beeatrice” in our “Name the Queen Bee” contest, helping us kick off this sweet initiative.
For those wondering, there’s no need to worry about bees buzzing too close. Honey bees aren’t interested in people—they typically forage up to 5 km from their hives and only sting when they feel threatened. Alvéole has installed thousands of hives with no issues related to stings. Plus, a hive requires just a small 6 ft diameter, making them easy to accommodate. BeeHomes, designed for solitary bees, are compact and can be placed near ground-level flowers, providing a safe space for these gentle, non-territorial pollinators.
Our honey bee hives feature Italian honey bees, a docile breed that rarely stings without reason, helping us maintain a peaceful environment. Managed by a professional urban beekeeper, these hives are key to our commitment to environmental stewardship. Each year, our hives will produce 100 jars of local honey, harvested and jarred at certified establishments, offering a delicious reward for supporting our buzzing community.
