Thistle make great honey!

The thistle is the national emblem of Scotland and, as an ancient Celtic symbol, represents noble character! These flowering plants are plentiful in Scotland, in the city as well as rural areas. Thistle plants have flowers along with sharp prickles to protect themselves from being eaten, but the flowers are a rich source of nectar attracting all kinds of insects, and the bees especially love them!

Union Canal Thistle Bee

Arthur's Seat Thistle Moth

Union Canal Thistle Bee

Arthur's Seat Thistle Bee

Bees in Bells

I am fascinated over and over again by the variety of shapes, colors, and wonderful smells in any outdoor landscape or garden!
Here are a few "bell-shaped" blossoms. There are bees are in the foxglove and prickly pear (you'll need a good eye to spot her!), but I've never seen the other pink bell flower before.  If you know its name, please comment :)

Edinburgh, Scotland

Monpazier, France

Perigueux, France

Tuscon, Arizona

Clover Bees

A clover without a bee is like a hug without a kiss! 

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

Monpazier, France Medieval Garden

Sarlat, France Public Garden

Holyrood Park, Edinburgh

Château de Losse

This time of year, there are so many beautiful gardens to visit! Each blossom is breathtaking, its beauty only enhanced by a fuzzy, flighty bee. These lovely shots are from the Château de Losse along the Vézère River in the South-West of France.

Pretty in Pink!

Just too pretty not to share...Some bees, some blossoms!

Pollen baskets are looking good!

Cotton candy tree...

Coming in for a landing!