The new hive is the first to be placed in the nearly 100 Denver Urban Community Gardens sprinkled across Denver.

There has been interest brewing for some time to consider introducing a beehive into the Rosedale garden. Denver ordinances were revised last November, making it permissible for private properly landowners to have up two hives on one’s own land.

Garden leader Dave Conant reported that the bees’ presence is expected to enhance pollination of the fruits and vegetables grown in the garden, and will also offer an educational experience for young and old alike learning about the life cycle of bees and how they fit into the life cycle of the garden. Beehive owner Tom Smedley has generously offered to share some of the honey produced with the gardeners, as well as provide some for distribution to food banks, such as Project Angel Heart.

Smedley reported that the bees acclimate to their new surroundings quickly and are not considered aggressive as they go about their foraging tasks. However, important information is being provided to those who are allergic to bee stings.

Rosedale Garden dates back into the mid-1980s. The garden comprises an orchard, an arbor and a beautiful courtyard meeting area at the rear of the garden, away from traffic noise. It is now the largest garden of its kind in the Denver area.

Right now there is no space available at Rosedale, but interested gardeners are invited to place their names on a wait list.

For more information about a garden near you, contact Denver Urban Gardens: dirt@dug.org or call 303-292-9900.