After the shamrocks, the phacelia to give the bees something to forage for. Since January 1 and until February 29, 2020, two beekeepers from Saint-Gaudens (Haute-Garonne) offer with their association, Natur Miel, to send free organic seeds of these delicate purple flowers to anyone who requests them. , by simple mail.
In January 2019, Nicolas Puech and Gaël Bassetti were already at the origin of a similar approach, with the sending of clover seeds. The operation had exceeded their expectations. Some 73,000 sachets have been sent throughout France, as far as England, Morocco, and Canada.
“A week after the launch, we had received whole bags of envelopes and we are still receiving them! Some participants sent us photos of their shamrock squares, ”explains Maëva Grimal, secretary of Natur Miel. So beekeepers repeat, with phacelia, "a plant that is easy to grow and requires no special maintenance. You can plant them in a simple planter ”.
100,000 sachets to seize
Among their many virtues, phacelia are "even more nectariferous and pollinating than clover. Bees are very fond of it ”. They divert aphids from crops and enrich the soil. This second operation was financed thanks to donations received by Natur Miel. This year, the association has planned 100,000 sachets and will close the operation at the end of February, so as not to encroach on the beekeeping season.
Letters should be sent to Phacélitez nous la Vie, Les Termes, 31 800 Saux-et-Pomaréde. Do not forget the postage-paid envelope for the return. A 20 gram postage is sufficient.
Le Parisien, partner of the consultation "How to act together now for the environment?" ”, Initiated by Make.org, invites you to submit your ideas and vote on those of the other participants in the module below. You will be informed of the results in February 2020.