The A.D. Makepeace Company, based in Wareham, is the world’s largest cranberry grower, the largest private property owner in eastern Massachusetts, and a recognized leader in environmentally responsible real estate development and stewardship. Cranberries are our heritage and our livelihood. Our 160-year history in the cranberry industry affects the way we do business, and it strengthens the communities we build.
LIFE on the BOG
Blossom Season
While many think of cranberries as a fall fruit requiring much care and attention during the cooler months, the real work begins long before the autumn air arrives. The late spring and early summer months are vital to the cranberry crop’s success.
During this time of year, the tender vines are developing cranberry buds that will turn into tiny, yet powerful, cranberry blossoms. As the bud and blossom develop, it is crucial to protect them from frost damage, provide adequate nutrients, and establish a healthy environment for growth. This phase of care and protection leads to the next critical element of crop success: pollination.
Typically, blossom time extends from mid-June through mid-July. As the tiny bud begins to open, its outer pink petals reveal a white flower. This is a unique time of year when the thousands of tiny white flowers cover the bog’s surface, resembling a light dusting of winter snow.
The sheer volume of flowers that require pollination vastly outweighs the number of native pollinators in a given bog area. For this reason, the A.D. Makepeace Company obtains a large quantity of honeybee hives and bumble bee boxes each spring to assist in the pollination process. The rule of thumb is approximately two honeybee hives per acre of cranberries or one bumble bee box per acre. While the two varieties of bees cannot be in close proximity to each other, each has its own strengths and characteristics. Although the cranberry industry has long debated the most beneficial bee, today the honeybee remains the primary bee of choice throughout the industry.
Hoppy Bog, Carver, Massachusetts
June 10, 2020
PRESS RELEASES AND NEWS
EVENTS CALENDAR
A.D. MAKEPEACE INSTAGRAM
Official Ribbon Cutting for Southcoast’s Newest Luxury Rental Community
/in General, Real Estate /by Linda BurkeDignitaries and residents joined the A.D. Makepeace Company Tuesday at a ribbon cutting to celebrate the opening of 35 Rosebrook, the region’s newest luxury apartment community.
Ground Broken for BID, Long Pond Physical Therapy Building at Redbrook
/in Events, General /by Linda BurkeBeth Israel Deaconess Hospital – Plymouth and Long Pond Physical Therapy will soon be a part of the Redbrook community, as ground was broken Tuesday for a new building that will house both.
Baker-Polito Administration Announces $1 Million MassWorks Award for Plymouth
/in General, Real Estate /by Linda BurkeLieutenant Governor Karyn Polito joined Plymouth Town Manager Melissa Arrighi, Plymouth Selectmen Chairman Ken Tavares, Senator Vinny deMacedo, Representative Mathew Muratore, President/CEO Michael Hogan of the A.D. Makepeace Company and other local and state officials to announce a $1 million MassWorks Infrastructure Program grant for the reconstruction of Wareham Road.