Preventing Swarming
In which I look for the queen, find the queen, and build my tallest beehive.
Read MoreBBKA Spring Convention 2017
My first visit to this annual event - the Spring Convention of the British Beekeepers Association.
Read MoreSpring Opening of the Cedar Hive
In which I nearly lose Queen Eve...I think.
Read MoreSpring Opening of the Disc Hive
I took the lid off the Disc Hive and the bees boiled over.
Read MoreSpring Opening of the Pond Hive and the Copper Hive
I had a first proper look at the frames in the brood boxes of the Pond Hive and the Copper Hive.
Read MoreAlmond Blossom
My photo album indicates that the almond tree flowered in January last year. This year, it's late, having waited until March for bud burst. It's flowering whole-heartedly now though.
Almond trees are (supposed to be) one of the earliest trees to flower. Which is helpful for the bees, who need that early nectar and pollen to get going at the start of the season. And my hope is that this tree will grow tall and provide a little shade and screening for the hives that stand against the South-facing house wall.
The tree fruited last year and we enjoyed a few almonds. Or I did, anyway. Other household members found them unfamiliar and suspicious objects in their green cases.