“Chicory and Thanksgiving” by Annie Watson
We had long warm fall, which allowed the bees to forage late into October. On many days the temperature got well above 60 degrees, allowing the bees to fly, and, we hope, make more honey to prepare for the winter.
During the warm fall the lasting blooms of the chicory flower (Cichorium intybus L.) were one of the flowers bees could visit. Here, a worker bee gathers both nectar and pollen from this beautiful blue flower. The sprinkling of pollen on her head and thorax looks like stardust…
Introduced from Europe, Chicory is widespread in North America. Like the dandelion, it’s a superb medicinal plant. The chicory used as a coffee substitute is a slight variation on the wild plant.
As Thanksgiving approaches we voice our gratitude for family, friends, a bountiful harvest, and the opportunity to share healing, compassion, and nourishment.