I grew up in a rural town in Western Massachusetts, where a large patch of bee balm featured prominently in our garden each summer. One day an elderly couple, complete strangers, stopped their car to ask my father what the fiery red blooms in the garden were.
“It’s bee balm, a perennial. Would you like some?”
He dug up a clump for the pair to take to their summer home at the edge of town.
A few days later, the couple reappeared with a box of children’s books. They were retired teachers, who had noticed my siblings and me playing in the yard.
“We have collected so many books over the years, and since we are retired, we don’t need them. Would your children like some?” they asked my father.
That summer, and for many summers thereafter, the couple brought boxes of books of a variety of genres. Some were almost new; some were gently worn. Each box was a thoughtful gift.
The sight of bee balm might bring thoughts of insects, bright flower petals in a salad, or perhaps herbal tea to most people.
But me? I simply think of books.
Bees, butterflies and hummingbirds are especially attracted to bee balm, which is a member of the mint family. Monarda, bergamot, horsemint, and oswego tea are other names for this plant. It has many uses, being found in everything form skin salves to digestive teas to salad toppers.Bee balm getting ready to bloom.The blooming time for bee balm is July through late summer. Cutting back the blooms as they finish flowering will encourage regrowth and extend the blooming period.A Silver Spotted Skipper butterfly visits.Although bee balm likes sun, it tolerates partial shade, as shown here growing in a mix of ferns and Queen Anne’s Lace.Vigorous bursts of bee balm contrast with the calm of the apple tree in my yard. Time to sit in the shade and enjoy a book!The Little Pear books by Eleanor Frances Lattimore were favorites from the book boxes. These books related the adventures of a young boy living in a small village in China long ago. First published in 1931, they continued to be published until 2006. (The book pictured above is the edition I remembered as a child.) They are considered popular vintage books today.
Love the photo of the Bee on the beebalm (which autocorrect keeps changing to baseball for some silly reason.) I learned a lot from your post. We have BLUE Bees here in eastern MA. Do you have them there? Best, Babsje
I found your bee balm story enchanting, Julie. Such a sweet story of the exchange of bee balm plant and children’s books, and then to see one of the books that you remember from one of the special boxes is wonderful. I really like bee balm, and your bb plants are beautiful, and your garden looks truly tranquil.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I was very surprised to find that children’s book in the exact edition on ebay 55 years (!) after first reading it. 😉
Lovely flowers, and lovely memories. How special it must have been to dig into these boxes and make exciting discoveries. That couple touched your and your siblings’ life in such a meaningful way. 📚
I think a lot about how our world has changed since those days. My dad just dug up flowers to give to strangers. Would I do that today? Or would I just be wary of strangers? And then, the strangers came back with gifts. Would I still be wary? There seems so much more to worry about today in my suburban town…
Love the photo of the Bee on the beebalm (which autocorrect keeps changing to baseball for some silly reason.) I learned a lot from your post. We have BLUE Bees here in eastern MA. Do you have them there? Best, Babsje
OOH, never hear of BLUE Bees! I’m all over that!
Hi Julie. Here you go: https://babsjeheron.wordpress.com/2014/01/21/the-bees-knees/ their thorax have chevron stripes alternating blue and black. Lovely Bees!
So cool! I intend to be on the lookout!
Cheers,
Julie
These are beautiful flowers with an intriguing name. I have never seen them before, only on your photos. Gorgeous flowers!!!
Thanks, Kaya. They are really easy care. (Meaning, you don’t really have to do anything with them! );-)
-Julie
I found your bee balm story enchanting, Julie. Such a sweet story of the exchange of bee balm plant and children’s books, and then to see one of the books that you remember from one of the special boxes is wonderful. I really like bee balm, and your bb plants are beautiful, and your garden looks truly tranquil.
Thanks so much for your kind words. I was very surprised to find that children’s book in the exact edition on ebay 55 years (!) after first reading it. 😉
I love your sweet story and connection with this flower and books! You have a lovely sitting area and garden under your apple tree too. 😊
Thank you. After days of rain, I am hoping for Sun tomorrow so I can sit under the tree.
Lovely flowers, and lovely memories. How special it must have been to dig into these boxes and make exciting discoveries. That couple touched your and your siblings’ life in such a meaningful way. 📚
I think a lot about how our world has changed since those days. My dad just dug up flowers to give to strangers. Would I do that today? Or would I just be wary of strangers? And then, the strangers came back with gifts. Would I still be wary? There seems so much more to worry about today in my suburban town…
Some lost innocence, for sure. But I think these kinds of interactions still can–and do–happen.
Lovely flowers and such a sweet story.
Thanks. It was fun writing and remembering.