Brussels Sprouts in Bloom

The Brussels sprouts are members of the important bee plant family of mustards. This family is made up of various greens, cabbages, broccoli, and cauliflower. We are familiar with the Brussels sprouts; the buds that we eat look like small cabbages. Here, we see the plant flowering. The mustards, when left undisturbed, bloom in the spring and attract honey bees with a reward of pollen and nectar. The honey bee pollinates the plant, and seed is produced.

I took this photo at Whitton Flowers and Produce, in Whitton, Arkansas, where we have one of our bee yards. Keith and Jill Forrester grow flowers and produce at their Arkansas delta farm. Be sure to visit their web site at http://whittonfarms.com/. They recognize the importance of protecting the soil’s tilth and nutrients as well as the air, water, plants, earthworms, and pollinators. The Forresters work mighty hard at Whitton producing beautiful flowers and delicious fruits and vegetables. The honey bees provide pollination for the flowering plants. From the flowers on their farm and surrounding delta fields, our bees produce a mild tasting and fragrant light amber honey.
--Richard