Bees, Please...

Last year I decided that I wanted to keep bees…after I expressed this desire, the questions from friends and family poured in, everything from ‘Very cool’ to ‘Oh for heaven’s sake, why would you want to do that?’ Undaunted, I waited for Spring to arrive so that I could actually pursue this new hobby. I find bees absolutely fascinating. And now after doing reading and researching I am even more enthralled. Our backyard is very bee friendly, with citrus, lavender, wisteria in the spring, roses, vegetables and all manner of small flowering plants. Also, I am told that urban hives are quite successful because there is always something blooming in the city.
We are very fortunate to have a ‘bee store’ blocks from our house. It is a family run business, with three generations of beekeepers manning the store. They have all sorts of supplies, not to mention remarkable knowledge! Several weeks ago, I put a deposit down on my bees and this weekend I purchased my hive and all the beekeeper garb…The hive required fabrication, so I set about putting it together. I had a total blast. It really went together pretty quickly and if we hadn’t had to leave for a concert, I think I would have even gotten it painted! So painting my hive – a lovely butter yellow – will be an after work pursuit for the week. Now all I have to do is wait for the bees to arrive in mid April and take my beekeeping class at that time as well…
I will keep you posted...