Goodness gracious me!--The spring is almost all over and I have had a number of things to post, but just have not had the time. This is the busiest time of the year for me, so neither wonder I guess. Right then...This series of foto's are dated now, but not by too much. Let me begin with a foto of this lovely narcissus held by Hetty from up the way--yeah, if you come by for tea, it is not without it's price. Helping with foto-taking may be required. The mulch was cleared back and the ground levelled and in went the onions and shallots. The plum tree (Opal) is blooming. The greenhouse was made ready for the toms, peppers and melons. I also planted some butterleaf and iceberg lettuce. The first ones are always the tastiest, I find. Here they are yesterday: I planted the Limnanthes along two sides of the blueberry patch. Planted all four types of spuds. Here you can see three of the beds. My mate Karel is taking a fotography class and had decided to make a foto shoot about bees and beekeeping. Naturally I get to figure into this. :-? My bride took some foto's as well. Here is one of them. I am taking the additional brood box to set onto the existing hive because the hive is more than full. Look at this--there are so many bees and so little space that they began building comb onto the cover plank. I gave them a little puff of smoke but there was no room for them to scoot down in-between the frames, as it was already full. I had given them a touch of smoke before lifting the cover plank, so all went below that could. I wish that I had had the time to take a foto showing all those little heads and bodies in-between the frames. While I was waiting for foto's to be taken quite a few flew-up and then circled. You can also see some bees on the inside of the cover plank. As full as the hive was, you mustn't forget that this was in the middle of the day, so there were thousands out foraging. I wonder where they all slept at night and why they had not begun making plans to swarm. This fullness happened over a period of four days. Normally I do not look in so often but I noticed a remarkable change in behaviour and numbers. Oké then here, finally, the foto: I have looked in the bee hives a couple of times recently because of the explosive growth in bee numbers, and saw this nectar transfer taking place. It is only april and I already have two brood boxes on all my hives, and honey attics on two of those. I spoke to a couple of beekeepers last night at the meeting and they had....FOUR brood boxed and a honey attic (super) on a number of their hives. I am astounded. Why, I don't even have THAT many hive boxes. I wonder what this year has in store for me with those bees. I also wonder how the veggies and flowers will do. Will the season end early because of the early start, or will it simply continue.
I hope the weathermen have got it right and that we're going to have a good summer this year. It would certainly benefit your bees if we do. It looks as though at least one has found the plum tree blossom. What a great shot you managed to get of the nectar transfer! Everything seems to be coming along nicely in your garden. It just goes to show what hard work and TLC can achieve doesn't it?
DONNA-- Yes, I keep pretty busy this time of year. I feel a bit uneasy about the Bee hives. I do not know if I will need more or not. I am already looking about for some used ones...just in case. EILEEN--Ach, I hope so too. it will not only benefit my bees, but me as well. hahaha. I am hoping for good harvests. I thought that nectar transfer from forager bee to a house bee was neat to see. I see it taking place on the flight plank outside the hive at the entrance split. I can watch them for hours. I often break off my work to go squat beside the hive and watch what the girls are doing. heh heh...yes you are right to a degree--hard work and TLC...but also rain and sun. chortle. I was really stunned to see the difference in the plants (esp. the spuds after a lot of rain one night and a lot of sun the following day). t'Was remarkable.
You have been busy Sjoerd! Things are growing nicely in your garden. I absolutely LOVE that Narcissus!
You have the most pampered veggies... and I just know you'll get another good crop. Karel went to the right guy for her photography project... I bet she's going to learn alot about them, just as we have.
Thanks NETTY--I like that one as well. It was a gift and I have no idea what it's name is. Thank you, GREEN F. Hahaha CHERYL--...Pampered veggies. Yeah, I suppose that you are right, but I enjoy pampering them. They give so much back when I do, so I don't feel like I wasted my pampers.
