Yesterday making the most of the sunshine
I went down to the bee hives to see how they are getting on,
This was me investigating the Top Bar Hive
Top bar hives the bees build there own comb to the shape of the hive, there was plenty of brood cells and the colony seems to building well, they were capping off honey on some of the frames in this hive, they were only a small colony last year when we moved so its yet undecided if we will take a harvest from them this year.
Martin didn't suit up as he was manning a bonfire so there are no close up photos of the bees and its extremely difficult to man a camera in those thick gloves.
The national hive when I checked it had some queen cells
This is one of the queen cells, they are shaped like a peanut and hang down from the comb, this wasn't the comb I took it from I put it on here so you can see it clearly, I removed all the queen cells I found, to try and prevent the bees from swarming, if left to produce a new queen the older queen will go off with half the workers and form a new colony, although sometimes the old queen kills of new hatching queens, swarming depletes the hives.
The area were we have the hives is were the fruit trees are and we allow the grasses and wild flowers to grow, this area will remain wild.
I don't use a smoker while doing the hives unless I was doing something really intrusive, the bees remain calm and its all done nice and calmly and quiet so as not to agitate them.
I finished the path in the poly tunnel yesterday
I have laid the path with ash and cinders from the Rayburn, it didn't cost anything and makes a nice firm walking surface.
Thank you for all the comments on Kara's passing, she has been laid to rest in the woodland we are planting up amongst Kev's willow and Amy's maples and her grave has been planted up with wild garlics and wild flower seeds scattered on top, we are so glad we have Sol.
He has settled in lovely
Up amongst the trees sounds like a lovely place to be. Hugs. xx
ReplyDeleteKara was involved in planting the trees as I was laying them out she kept picking them up and bringing them back to me :-)
DeleteThe path in the poly-tunnel looks really good. And your style of top bar hives looks so much easier to inspect than mine. Interesting about the queen cells. Here's hoping you prevent swarming!
ReplyDeleteIts not as easy as a national hive as the bees form brace comb and the comb has to be handled differently :-)
DeleteSounds a beautiful resting place for Kara. I am glad you have Sol too.
ReplyDeleteIts an area that will grow and change over time :-)
DeleteA peaceful place for Kara and also for you when you go by and remember her. Your top corner is looking good.
ReplyDeleteWe have plans for a lot more trees there :-)
DeleteI'm sure Sol will help to ease the pain, and Kara will forever be in your hearts.
ReplyDeleteSol makes us laugh he is a funny dog :-)
DeleteI'm so pleased that you brought Kara home and that she's laid to rest amongst the woodland - it sounds beautiful and you can still say hello to her when you're on that part of your small holding (she'll hear you) xxx
ReplyDeleteSimon our vet came out as we wanted Kara to be at home when she went rather than be in a strange place, it was all very peaceful, he is an excellent compassionate vet who was considerate of our wishes :-)
DeleteMy Dad used to keep bees so I enjoyed reading your post this morning. Looks like they have plenty of room to buzz about. :-)
ReplyDeleteI like the sounds of Karas end, just as she deserved it, peaceful, at home and with the people she loved, as she will be all the time now when you work in the area she's laid in.
ReplyDeleteWe have Archie the cat in the strawberry/rhubarb bed and Charley the dog is with the Snowdrops .... and my Dad has his own bed in the centre of the Veggie Patch ..... just his ashes are buried there though before you start to get worried!!
I've just been catching up with your news and I'm sorry to read about Kara. It's clear from your posts that she had a very happy retirement with you. I hope that Sol gives you just as many happy memories. Jx
ReplyDeleteSounds like a good place to be laid to rest. I think when I go I'd like to be spread in the garden and live forever more there.
ReplyDeleteI agree with Kev on Cara's resting place. She will be part of your homestead for ever. Well done with sorting out the bees - you got the timing just right on that!! No chance yesterday or today.
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