Garden Center - Danger?

[watercarving]

I was at my local Lowe's yesterday and noticed the huge amount of flowers they have. Wal-mart is next door and have the same. My bees will only be about 1 mile away. Do they put out poison at these centers or are they pretty safe?

Thanks.

[doak]

I don't think they use anything in transition. Some one correct me if I am wrong. :)doak

[TimLa]

Charming Wife (SWMBO) was the project manager for a pretty big commercial plant maintenance company for 20 years or so.  She said that when they recieved stock from a nursery, they'd very carefully inspect and only treat if there was a problem.  Most nurseries will treat as needed, as it's an expense for them with no return other than opportunity cost and benefit.

The two stores you mentioned have high plant and employee turnover and no horticulturist on staff, so I'd be very, very surprised if they treat their plants at all.  Chemicals cost money, you have to have (usually) someone certified to apply them, too much bother and expense.  On top of that, they'd have to inform customers that the plants had been treated, so all in all, it's very unlikely that they are doing anything.

You may get a bit of residue when the plants come in, but doubtfully strong enough to hurt the bees.

Also, while they may forage up to two miles, if there's forage available closer, I doubt they'd do long-range foraging until and unless the local supply is gone.

[taipantoo]

I was a Team Leader in the garden center for Lowes for almost three years.
Lowes policy is that they will turn away damaged plants when they arrive.
Only the Live Nursery Specialist, and only if they hold a license, can treat the plants.
It's an added expense and chore that Lowes chooses to not deal with.

Now, on the other hand, when bags get ripped and cannot be sold to the public, they were often written off as "store use" and used indiscriminately around the property, but never to my knowledge on the plants.

I think your bees will be as safe there as they can be anywhere else in their travels.

Hope this helps.