Well, that day is close at hand. I got the email that my bee nuc is ready to be picked up. I finally got the hives prepped and the hive stand will be built this weekend. I really think that they will like their new home at White Plains – everything is in bloom from the orange trees, the black locust, to the unknown fruit trees. They will have quite a feast. The cool thing about my first nuc is that I helped my mentor, John, with the final steps of his nuc splits – I will be getting one of his, likely one that I helped with. Below is a picture of us working on them last week.
When trying to decide whether to paint or stain/seal my hives, I read countless forums, talked to my bee mentor, and debated whether or not I was willing to touch them up each year, or more. In the end, I kept remembering my bee teacher’s guidance that bees are about trial and error. There are few absolutes. Try something, see if it works, and either replicate it the next time or find a new opportunity. So, I decided to stain the woodenware and seal it. I’m really happy with the results and hopefully the bees will be also.
And so goes life – we try things and hope that they work. Sometimes they do, and we celebrate. Other times, we learn how to do it differently next time. Either way, it’s about the experience.
They look great, Zach! If I were a bee, I would want to live there. Loving the adventures you guys are experiencing!
Thanks! They were transferred into the new hive today and are doing amazingly well. You’ll have to come see them soon.
Did you have any bee/insect phobias to overcome to start this hobby. I’m reading your blog in reverse chronological order so sorry if this was covered in your bee keeping class post.
Well, not a phobia per se, but I do admit that I had never been stung before I started beekeeping. I got over the fear of being stung after the first couple of times, and, thankfully, I wasn’t allergic! I also have to admit that I wear a full jacket, netting, and gloves – I don’t like to take any chances.