The Honey Bee

A few years back,
I ventured into my first colony.
The response and advice from members
was amazing.

This year, again I decided to "host"
a few colonies. I am happy to report
that there is astounding activity
and healthy reproduction.

Anyone who has been paying attention
is familiar with the odds they are facing,
and might I say, we are all facing currently.
In spite of these odds, the attitude of the
Bees is inspirational.

They allow me free access, passage, and
wonder.
I have decided not to harvest any of their
stores of honey comb even though they would
allow me to do so.

They have found the Clethra, Oxydendrom arboreum,Squash blossoms,
my habits , and I am delighted.

To those who have not attempted such,
I must say that it is an intrinsically educational
experience and well worth the effort
in spite of the sticky situations.

Best, Wildmanimal

a reply to: Wildmanimal

My dad kept bees way back in the day, and they are truly amazing creatures. So easy to manage, too! I'd like to, some day, get into that myself. Always enjoyed them.

a reply to: Wildmanimal

When you do right by nature, nature will do right by you. That has been my philosophy for a long time, and IMO, always proves itself to be true. Any chance you can get us some video of the colonies?? Bees are very impressive, and your garden sounds like it as well.

I used to help out at a local honey farm in my old town UpHall (was amazing to help/watch), got a few free jar's, hope your bee colony keep getting bigger, we need bees in this world.

a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

Yes,
your Dad was on to something wonderful.
It is rather amazing to consider the historic fact
that Humans and Honey Bees have had a symbiotic relationship
for thousands of years.

That is true for mammals like dogs ,cats, birds,
etc.
But Honey bees are truly different from mammals
and yet, we can offer each other something.

Rather remarkable when you think about it.

Smiles

a reply to: AmericanRealist

I couldn't agree with you more.
I will tell you this, they are Top Bar
hives that I purchased from Colorado.
So, the Bees create their own fresh comb.

It is a different system than Langstroff
(common type). Also, I have integrated
Hygienic Varroa resistant Queens into the
genetics.

I am more concerned with the reintegration
of Honey bees in my Area than I am with the
Honey Harvest. If the colonies split, so be it,
As I have noticed a complete lack of feral bees
in this area over the past 3 years.

I am generally sociable in person, but rather
internet hesitant.

However, I will consider uploading some footage
to share, but that will be in October.

Best to You

a reply to: DarkvsLight29

Well,
we all have to keep on helping out
here and there now don't we.?
Bee Good

a reply to: Wildmanimal

We use a lot of honey at our house. We've never bought anything except from local bee keepers.

originally posted by: Wildmanimal
a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

Yes,
your Dad was on to something wonderful.
It is rather amazing to consider the historic fact
that Humans and Honey Bees have had a symbiotic relationship
for thousands of years.

That is true for mammals like dogs ,cats, birds,
etc.
But Honey bees are truly different from mammals
and yet, we can offer each other something.

Rather remarkable when you think about it.

Smiles

They really are. I always liked bees. Stung ONCE, when we kept them, and that was because she crawled up my pants leg. I felt bad for the bee. Didn't bother me when a swarm (not any of ours) went over my head. They weren't a threat. Pretty cool, actually. The sound was amazing!

a reply to: DBCowboy

Yeah , keep it local.
Good for the immune system DC.

Wildmanimal

I was looking into the honey bee..between 2015-2016 44% of the bee population died. Every thing that is killing the bee population off is Human related..we are doing this to them.

Some awareness needs to be brought around these little creatures...as they are pivotal to our survival as well. (unless everyone wants to eat GMO food)

Anyhow..I found this website where a guy is on a quest to paint 50,000 bees around the world..to raise awareness. Has started a initiative called For the Good of the Hive. Which is taken from an act that a sick bee does.

If a bee is sick..it will leave the hive and go die on its own so that other hive members do not get sick. So, it does this for the good of the hive..

Some of Wiley's murals:





And his website:Good of the Hive and an article about his work 50,000 Bees

It is really good that you decided to host a few colonies..the bees need our support, and quite honestly, we need them as well..
I'm glad you have taken some interest in them..

Thanks,
blend57

a reply to: blend57

Thank you for that,
and the fabulous artwork.

The bee's know exactly where
I live, and they make their presence
known when they want something
from me.

Strangest pets I have ever had,
considering the fact that they are not
pets at all.

At times, I know this is beyond my league.
With only faith, I carry on.

a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

I like the part you mentioned:
"The sound was amazing".

A thing of beauty really.
Thank You.

a reply to: Wildmanimal

I've planted a lot of echinacea and various daisies around our home for the sole purpose of attracting bees.

To me, a garden just isn't a garden without a whole bunch of adorable chubby honey bees buzzing around first thing in the morning getting their fill whilst I sit on my deck with my morning cup of coffee watching them.

originally posted by: Wildmanimal
a reply to: LadyGreenEyes

I like the part you mentioned:
"The sound was amazing".

A thing of beauty really.
Thank You.

Most welcome! they truly were amazing - a whole cloud of bees, right over my head, looking for a new place to make a hive. Another local beekeeper picked them up, which was fascinating to watch! We didn't have the space for another hive.

a reply to: CranialSponge

Yes , those are good choices of plants.
We all can help in our own way.