In recent weeks, I've discovered an affinity for gardening. For the first time, the mosquitos and the bugs and the heat haven't deadened my will to get my hands dirty. I've especially come to appreciate the experience of pulling weeds and have spent several conference calls on the days I telecommute wandering through my garden, ear buds in place while pulling stilt grass or garlic mustard.

We've also taken a keen interest these days in what we're choosing to plant, trying to pick native species that are attractive to pollinators, particularly the imperiled bee. We installed a simple fountain after I read that bees are attracted to running water. And we're even trying fruits and vegetables this year. (For an excellent background blog on what's happening with the world's bees, see my colleague Josh Mogerman's recent Switchboard post on honey laundering.)

We can't take credit for originally planting the enormous rhododendrons that have exploded across our property, but we are trying to take good care of them. It's heartening to see the rhodos swarming with bees and even a butterfly here and there.

Tim captured a few shots from the bee buffet. First up is a shot of bulging pollen sacs.

Next is a bee in flight. Catch that stinger!

This guy is pigging out head first.

And finally another pollinator.

Photos by Tim Weaver.