Whenever I see friends and blog readers, the first question is almost always about the bees. I’ve learned that people are very curious about them and yet most people don’t know very much about bees. Admittedly, I didn’t either when I started. So, here’s an update on the bees.
I added my third box to each of their hives this week. They are both booming and taking over every available space within each hive. And they are still eating a lot! I keep their sugar syrup jars consistently available, hoping it will help them maintain comb and nectar production. I still don’t know if I will get honey this summer, but they sure are moving quickly.
This picture is of them cooling themselves on a really hot and humid day this week. The weather is finally changing to a consistent muggy temperature, and the bees do everything they can to stay cool during the hot parts of the day. I’ve seen this called, “bearding” when they form a beard-like screen, almost dripping off of the hive and each other.
The bees are currently mesmerized by the magnolia blooms that are just opening outside of the “girls” guest room. (It’s called the “girls” room because it features some interesting hand-painting of flowers and birds from the 1940s. Most of the ladies that visit claim it as “their” room.) This picture is a quick centerpiece from Friday – the huge size and amazing fragrance of the blooms needed no pairing!
