Arriving at the hive, I was originally worried that I might find a colony starved of all it's honey, especially if more robbing went on during the week that passed. But, oh no! Not these ladies! I cannot express my pride in my (sweet) small colony being able to ward off the bullies time and …
Hampton Court Celebrates Bees
This weekend I was invited to visit the Hampton Court (in Herefordshire, not London) in a day event celebrating bees. I was very excited to attend as a guest this time and not a volunteer representative, but my enthusiasm added to representation just as much. In fact, it was a much smaller event than I …
#012 Battleground
It only struck me during this inspection how much information I can deduce, just by observing the hive entrance. The activity at the entrance of a hive speaks a thousand words about its health and population and betrays weaknesses and threats. It is extremely difficult for me to explain in words the differences between entrance …
Shrewsbury Flower Show
Hey, this is a show I never thought I would be visiting, but there I was! There were some amazing crafts, huge vegetables, perfect flowers and ordinary, garden items creatively organised to form hedgehogs and ducks and all sorts. I was there as a volunteer, to support a small charity with big dreams. I was …
#011 Ghost Bees
I mentioned previously that keeping bees is full of surprises, and this week's update has just the right example. I will take you now with me on this week's featured, 30-minute long emotional rollercoaster ride. Gaining speed... I approached a busy, active hive, placed the bottom board I made, to seal the hive for winter, which didn't …
Dassett Country Show
Volunteered to represent the Association in one more show, the Dassett Country Show. To sum it up, I have three words: Hot, hot, hot. Oh, and of course, wasps. I was happy to share my passion and get quite a few people " Ah..."-ing and "Oh..."-ing and "Didn't know that!"-ing.
#010 Building up the Defense
I had originally planned this inspection for Tuesday, only to realise, no smoke and no boots was a really bad idea, given the latest mood exhibits of my bees, so I conducted it on Thursday instead. Everything was in order, including the latest stars of the season: the wasps. As predicted, the ratio of honey …
