Bergamot is an emollient used to soften skin and to decorate graves. It is said to be useful for inflammation, for relaxing the internal system, and for gargling with to soothe sore throats. Bergamot was also used for urinary health, bruising, and sprains.

Also known as bee balm, it is extremely attractive to bees, and this work reminds us of the British tradition or ritual of “talking to the bees” or “telling the bees” the significant life events in one's family. The work also reminds us of the significance of bees to our overall ecological system. Entitled The Queen Excluder, this image takes its name from a device for excluding the queen from other parts of the hive, where worker bees can still traverse. The plant construction is hosted on a queen excluder from Shelton’s own family beehive. Shelton grew the bergamot or bee balm, and its flowers are adhered to the excluder with beeswax from the same hive.