The White House will be buzzing soon, with the hum of honeybee hives on the South Lawn. Two hives will be maintained to help pollinate the White House gardens, and to provide honey for the White House kitchen.
Honeybee hives, like those pictured here, are coming to the White House.
Photo: Flickr user przemko.stachowski(already back)
Michelle Obama will break ground today, the first day of spring, on a new vegetable garden on the White House lawn. In raised beds, the Obamas will grow 55 varieties of vegetables for use in the White House kitchen. The First Lady hopes the new White House garden will set an example for the nation. Mrs. Obama hopes to promote healthier eating, particularly the benefits of consuming fresh, locally grown food.
In addition to the use of honeybees for pollination, the Obamas are enlisting other bugs in their garden. Beneficial insects, like praying mantids and lady beetles, will keep pests in check on the organically grown seedlings.
Source: NY Times, 3/19/2009
Comments
This is the coolest First Family ever!