The first alarm was sounded in autumn 2006. Honeybees are disappearing across the United States and Canada, with half of the States affected and beekeeper losing 30 to 90 percent of colonies; one beekeeper with 1200 colonies expected 9 to survive the winter. The problem began more than two years ago and has intensified in recent months. The bees simply vanish relatively suddenly, with little or no dead adults in or near the colonies, leaving behind the queen and a few young. In cases where the colony appears to be actively collapsing the workforce seems to be made up of young adult bees, insufficient to feed the brood, but are reluctant to consume provided feed. This “colony collapse disorder” (CCD) is particularly devastating for growers of fruits and vegetables, as they depend on insect pollinators.

My theories is that most of these bees are dying because of all the pesticide use that we are using today. Just common sense that if you spray your crops with insecticides, you are going to kill bees too and make them sick. Not to mention what it is doing to us humans who are eating the fruits and vegetables.  My Opinion Only

Watercress was always carried with Greek, Roman and Persian soldiers during their campaigns and eaten for its anti-scorbutic properties, to prevent scurvy.

Watercress is used in salads, sandwiches and as a garnish. Good-quality watercress will be crisp and deep-green. Avoid product that has yellow, wilted or slime-spotted leaves.

I like to get my salad off to a good healthy start by making a bed of leafy dark green vegetables. Lettuce is the traditional favorite, but stay away from the iceberg variety. Its lighter color gives it away as it is low on nutritional value. Choose instead from romaine, green leaf lettuce, and spinach. Better yet, mix in some of each. Baby green spinach is a real good choice too.

Levels of the beneficial, cancer-fighting compound sulforaphane in broccoli are reduced by 90 percent when the vegetable is cooked, so I would think it would be a good idea for folks to get to eatin’ raw broccoli mixed in with their salad.  At the very least once a week.  Thing is you will have to either buy organic or grow your own.  Just one more reason to get  out there this spring and get to planting your own garden. I should say boiled broccoli is better than nothing, just don’t over cook it. Also best to eat it with tomatoes as the combination fights off cancer. My Opinion Only

Also remember my new Gardening book which will be out March 22/2009 great book for sure. Loaded with all kinds of gardening tips, recipies and help in getting that new garden of yours into being.