It’s getting haaaaht out there, and the bees could use a refreshing beverage. But a simple water dish won’t do … oh NO. Bees need a floatie – something to stand on while they drink so they don’t tumble into the drink. Like this mini-pond in our San Francisco community garden in Potrero Hill.
You don’t have to be an aquaponics expert to set up a simpler system. Fill a bird bath with rocks and pour some water in it. Toss wine corks in a bucket of water. And if you own a pool, please cover it when you aren’t using it – the poor bees will drown looking for relief.
Meredith May 
I bought a beautiful glass bee ball for the bees in my garden. No maintenance at all – just sprinkle with water if it’s dry outside: https://www.uncommongoods.com/product/bee-drinking-garden-ball
I hope it works as intended! (If not, it’s still beautiful.)
LikeLike
A friend of mine recommended your book so I bought one for me and one for my neighbor who is a bee keeper herself. We both loved reading your book the honey bus. What a great man your grandfather was. He lives on in you and the bees
LikeLike
Hi Dawn –
My thoughts, exactly. I am trying to be Grandpa when I grow up. Thank you so much for supporting my book and buying TWO copies. Woop Woop!
LikeLike
I just finished The Honey Bus today. It was so beautifully written and inspirational. I have been a hobbyist beekeeper in Michigan for six years. As you can imagine, we have pretty harsh winters to deal with here. We have eight hives now and are hoping they all overwinter. I could ramble about my bees all day, but the real reason for my comment is to thank you for writing such a beautiful book about bees and about life. I’m so glad I found your blog, too. I look forward to following your bee adventures. Thank you!
LikeLike
Hi Robyn –
Thanks for reaching out, it really means a lot. And thank you, too, for providing sanctuary to the bees.
LikeLike
Your book The Honey Bus was so beautifully written, so truly inspirational & offered me such insight into the wonderful honey bee, I have been recommending it to everyone. I was given a copy because of the cover art by Sirpa, a fellow artist in Crouch End Open Studios, North London. You may know that another painting of hers was chosen for the Royal Academy Summer Exhibition this year… I think your novel & her artwork make a perfect team! I am really looking forward to reading more of your work! Thank you so much, Miranda Watson.
Instagram: mirandajwatsonart (I posted pictures of your book cover on my Instagram account & include #saveourbees whenever I get the chance!)
LikeLike
Miranda, hello! Thank you so much for writing, and I agree with you wholeheartedly, Sirpa’s artistry is mind-blowing and I know I’m not supposed to pick favorites, but the UK cover is the best. It’s stunning. I’ve connected with Sirpa online and am planning to get a piece of her work for our new home – we just moved to Carmel Valley!
LikeLike
Wow – thanks Meredith for that tidbit of excellent information – I didn’t know! I am going to share with my beekeeper friend (actually will test him to see what he does for his babies to aid in sipping their drinks!) Most likely he already knows…. we shall see… 🙂
Jan
p.s. Looking forward to September 11 at the Mission Viejo Country Club when you
are coming to wow our Fall Salon with your discussion of your book: The Honey Bus!
Providing our website http://www.lgoc.org for more information regarding registration.
LikeLike
This is so good to know! I knew about the water, but not that they needed someting to stand on.
LikeLike