Vancouver : Main Street community garden breaks out in hives

A non-profit group is trying to create a bit of buzz around our local bee population.

“Hives for Humanity” has set up a mentorship program at Vancouver’s Milross Garden that kicks off today.

Organizer Sarah Common says it’s meant to raise awareness about the pollinators.

“We think these workshops are a great way to engage with the gardeners and with the public about honeybees and native pollinators as well,” said Shannon Common, community liaison with Hives for Humanity. “The gardens, the hives and the living walls we have been making here are a great demonstration of innovative use of urban space.”

Hives for Humanity maintains 40 of the garden boxes to act as a pollinator meadow, and a herb garden that is open to about 90 registered gardeners.

“Just having the community garden here is great, but having the hives here and the awareness that it raises about pollinators and the challenges facing honeybees is something else again,” said Melissa Howey, manager of development and marketing at Amacon.

Surplus honey produced at the garden will be used by Tableau Bistro and Homer Street Cafe in confections and artisanal cocktails, according to Tableau chef Marc-Andre Choquette.

Agencies/Canadajournal