Lyman Orchards is an 1,100 acre farm, established in 1741. Located in Middlefield, it is the 12th oldest family-owned business in the United States. Peak time to inhale the heavenly scent of acres and acres of apple blossoms may be right now. A winding drive through the orchards offers views of traprock ridges, Middlefield in the valley below and a respite from the frantic pace of life. After a drive, consider a stop at the Apple Barrel country store, which offers a bakery, fruit in abundance, a deli, restful scenery and more.

Pollination is what turns a flower into fruit. (There's a reason a talk about the facts of life is called “the birds and the bees.”) Hives of honeybees are literally trucked in to orchards in the cooler evenings to ensure optimum pollination of acres of blossoms which are open for a very short time.

For a fascinating look at the unfolding of the season as seen by a beekeeper, visit Peace Bee Farm‘s blog for stunning photography and a bee's eye view of the world. Located in Arkansas, the overview of trees and blooms is interesting.

Those interested in bees may want to mark the date to attend June Field Day, Saturday, June 11, 9 a a.m. to 3 p.m. at Lockwood Farms, 890 Evergreen Ave., Hamden, Conn. A “smoke contest” starts at 9 a.m., and later a hive will be opened (smoke calms the bees and is a fascinating thing to observe.) This gathering of Connecticut Beekeepers Association includes Roger Hoopengarner's talk about running a two-queen hive.

Bees find all sorts of pollen on their own, including from spring wildflowers growing in woodlands.

For humans to find elusive plants, it's necessary to slow down for a walk in the woods or saddle up and take a ride.

The time to register for space at the University of Connecticut riding programs is right now. One of the offerings is trail riding; others include learning polo or refining riding skills. Space goes quickly, so if you're interested, sign up soon.

Nothing beats a day in the saddle. Summer riding programs at UConn include trail riding, how to play polo and an August ride through UConn forests, a Connecticut Museum of Natural History event. Click on the image above for re-direct to the UConn horse program site for fees and contact information.

Warmer days also means that there's also the potential of bringing home an unwanted tick home from a walk or after work in the barn. Protect your companion animals and livestock with the best information and prevention methods – the University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center offers a wealth of knowledge and news.

For more events, see the Moo Dog Press blog.