AMES, Iowa - At a time when entire colonies of bees are dying without explanation, causing concerns about the future of plant and crop pollination, Reiman Gardens in Ames is opening an exhibit called "Bee-Aware" that explains the role of bees and pollinators in plant-life cycles. The show will run from April 12 through July 1.
Photo by Dan Kuester.
The display opens with a reception that's free and open to the public on Thursday, April 12, from 5 to 7 p.m. Through the end of April, admission is discounted to $5 for adults; free for accompanied children to age 17. April's discounted prices are thanks to a grant from the Community Foundation for Greater Story County.
The exhibit allows people to get a better understanding of the important role that bees play in plant and crop growth, development and cross pollination.
Combining education with art, the Gardens' display includes a large bed of flowers inside a huge, yellow honeycomb. There are also live bumble bees and honey bees to view flying behind glass and in viewing cases. A giant 3-D bee and flower, beekeepers' tools, products from bees, facts about pollinators and even bee sting remedies fill the hallway and conservatory.
"We are highlighting the importance of pollinators," said Teresa McLaughlin, director of Reiman Gardens. "There is lots of information about the significance of bees in crop and garden pollination."
Attendees can also learn how to plant a "bee garden" in their own backyard, she said.
Ames will be the center of the pollination world later this year when the 9th International Pollination Symposium comes to town June 24-28. The symposium is expected to attract about 300 scientists from around the world.