Did you know there were bee hives at the Botanical Garden?

Over the last decade we've witnessed a steep decline in the honey bee population in this country; a decline of 60% of the population on the east coast and as much as a 70% decline on the west coast. The University of Georgia released a study just last week that concludes that this decline is caused by a devastating parasite and, even more alarming, pesticides. Thanks to the efforts of  Dr. Sidney Smith and his father Sid, the Botanical Garden has sheltered several hives over the last four years. Honey harvested from those hives was also donated to the Botanical Garden and sold as part of our fall fund raiser.

Our two current hives arrived just last weekend. Two queens, each in her own wax sealed box, were placed inside separate larger hive boxes and two cases of honey bees containing approximately 15,000 bees each were released.They quickly chose their queen and released her by chewing through the wax that sealed her in. If both hives do well, each may eventually contain as many as 40,000 bees.
We are very grateful to Dr.Sidney and Sid Smith for their efforts in restoring the honey bee population through our facility and for providing us with this very timely learning opportunity.

Do you know Harry?

The SACGC, Inc. Botanical Garden is becoming well known for its spectacular rose displays. Harry Howard is Botanical Garden Grounds Chairman and the man when it comes to roses. Harry is a member of the Ardsley Park/Chatham Crescent Garden Club in Savannah and a member and past president of the Savannah Rose Society. Yes Virginia, you can grow roses in Savannah and nobody does it better than Harry Howard.

Harry is seen here during a recent evening in the garden for Hospice Savannah with his lovely wife Louise (L) and the president of Savannah Area Council of Garden Clubs, Inc., Betty Ann King (R).

New to blogging? A quick " how to..."

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Our newest addition!

Welcome to our newest addition! The SACGC, Inc. Botanical Garden has seen fantastic change in the last several years and we want to keep you informed of our progress and the people and personalities responsible. In the weeks to come we'd like to introduce you to those folks who volunteer their time and effort, both in and out of the dirt, to see to it that our progress continues. We'll tell you about membership in the garden, up-coming programs, events and volunteer opportunities and invite you to leave your own comments and suggestions as to how we might better serve you. Would you like to learn more about growing vegetables, herbs or roses? Are you interested in the history and culture of coastal Georgia? Would you like to join are team of volunteers? The Botanical Garden is there for you and it depends on you to make sure it'll be there for many years to come. Please visit us here often or sign in as a follower to this page to recieve regular updates and don't forget to spread the word!
See you in the garden!