The penthouse roof of one of uptown Charlotte's swankiest hotels buzzed with activity Wednesday as its 120,000 new residents, honeybees, met their public.
On the eve of Earth Day, the Ritz-Carlton unveiled its new green roof, planted with a groundcover called sedum. Tomatoes, herbs and lavender grow in raised beds on one side. On the other stand two handsome beehives, painted white with copper roofs.
The bees will become urban commuters, visiting condo balconies and city parks in a two-mile radius before returning to their 18th-floor base. Their honey will flavor the hotel's yogurt, granola and brews served at high tea, said executive chef Jon Farace.
"I think we'll just have to categorize it as a wildflower honey," said Randall York of Cloister Honey, which tends the hives. "It should be just a good floral mix."
Read the complete story at charlotteobserver.com
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