Puerto Vallarta, Mexico - At least 30 percent of our world's crops and 90 percent of our planet's wild plants benefit from pollinators such as bees, bats, hummingbirds, and butterflies. Many of these plants specifically rely on bee pollination and would undoubtedly begin dying off quite rapidly if it weren't for the busy work of these fascinating insects.

Unfortunately, and for reasons still not completely understood, these first several years of the 21st century have been hard on bees with an unprecedented loss of hives and in some regions up to 90 percent of bees have disappeared.

Fortunately, bee keepers throughout the world are helping provide homes for these essential insects that our forests and farms depend on. In early 2018, volunteers David Erne and Talit Maria Jose set up two hives in the Garden which have already produced over 10 kg (more than 22 pounds) of honey so far! In addition to a super sweet harvest, we're also making sure that our plants are well attended to by one of our planet's most prolific pollinators.

Incredible Bee Products:
• Organic Honey
• Beeswax
• Bee bread (natural medicine)
• Propolis (natural medicine)
• Mead (honey wine)
• Royal Jelly (queen bee's food)

Important Crops that Rely on Bees:
• Almonds
• Apples
• Avocados
• Blueberries
• Broccoli
• Cantaloupes
• Carrots
• Cherries
• Citrus (lemons, limes, oranges...)
• Cucumbers
• Onions
• Pumpkins

Would you like to try your hand at beekeeping? Thanks to a generous donation for this project, the Garden now has 6 beekeeping suits including 2 designed to fit youngsters from age 8 and up. With advanced requests, volunteers are available to teach you the basics of beekeeping. This is safe, fun experiential education that can help you overcome the common fear of bees. Those interested should email escolar(at)vbgardens.org, with the word "Beekeeping" in the subject line.