Although the Fredrick Wiseman film is about ballet and the Paris Opera House, the scenes that were singularly the most memorable for me were those of the Opera House's beekeeper, of which the Times also took notice:
AS a former beekeeper I maintained 500 to 600 hives in upstate New York sold all my honey at Union Sq. Honey comes from the nectar of flowers. If you think that honey from flowers in and around N.Y.C. and the five boroughs are good to eat be my guest. You are what you eat, think about raising beef cattle grazing on all that great concrete pastureland. Those poor bees do not belong anywhere near N.Y.C.. Hey what do I KNOW!!
2
I loved this article! It seems like we are seeing the start of a new and hopeful movement for cities. An exhibition of paintings about New York’s rooftop farmers by the American artist Elizabeth Downer Riker is on show at the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea. And Wednesday they will be hosting a special panel of rooftop farmers including the beloved Union Square Farmer’s Market beekeeper David Graves. More information here: www.elizabethdownerriker.com/events/2018/1/1/artist-exhibit-2018 Let’s green our cities!
4
As great as it is, I have one question. Where do the bees get the pollen from? Central Park? on the green roof of Javits Center? Well, it is right next to very busy West Side Highway. I would be concern about heavy metals present in this honey. I see "NYC Honey" jars in Union Square market. Why would anyone buy it?
2
Would someone please explain how there can be "organic" honey. Bees fly all over the place to collect pollen. How can that be controlled? Thank you.
2
Basically you can only have organic honey if the hives are in the middle of nowhere (which is why most of it comes from Canada). Bees do fly everywhere but they have also have a defined range. If you can prove that everything within that range is "organic" than the honey is organic.
1
I remember reading about the apiary on the Paris Opera roof several years ago. Fascinatingly innovative.
5
Sweet!
4
Enjoying reading about the benefits of going green in urban areas.
7
Green roofs are one of the keys to a sustainable city. On Tuesday night, September 14th, pioneers of New York's rooftop farming movement, including urban beekeeper David Graves, will be discussing their experiences at the Ceres Gallery in Chelsea. Readers can learn more here: www.elizabethdownerriker.com/events/2018/1/1/artist-exhibit-2018
6
Where do the bees find flowers to obtain nectar?
1
You need to read, not scan, the article - the flowers are on the sedum planted on the roof. And possibly farther afield - Central Park and nearby roof gardens.
6
Honey bees fly in a three mile radius..so they'll have a lot to choose from, And, if you want to help...plant flowers on your balconey etc.
2
Many thanks.
It's good to remember that without bees, there will be no food. That's why we need strong regulation of the chemical industry, that seems bent upon killing all the bees in their lust for profit.
15
A correction to my earlier note --
The Panel of Rooftop Farmers is this Wednesday, September 13th, from 7:30 - 8:30pm.
My apologies.
The Panel of Rooftop Farmers is this Wednesday, September 13th, from 7:30 - 8:30pm.
My apologies.
3
Terrific article and wonderful innovation! Kudos to Ms. Read and her beekeeping buddies!
Figures that that sweet mayor Giuliani would have forbidden beekeeping in NYC.
May many more buildings follow suit.
Figures that that sweet mayor Giuliani would have forbidden beekeeping in NYC.
May many more buildings follow suit.
7
This is great. Maybe urban apiaries will help bees survive as green rooftops are less likely to be inundated with pesticides.
15
rixax--I don't keep bees, but I nurture the plants that feed them, and other pollinators, and provide shelter for those that don't make honey.
4
Great article! For something that is so significant yet such a low profile activity as beekeeping, you nailed this article. Just pulled my honey a couple weeks ago and still stand in awe of these tiny creatures that literally work themselves to death to provide such nutrition as honey! Thank you!
11