Trapping out bees

I found an interesting blog post this morning.  Don't know that we'll ever need this information, but I'm saving it here, just in case.

Trapping out bees in a cinder block wall.

Hives 2.0

This is in response to a request for more detailed photos of the features of the hives.

This is the feeder that came with it that is designed to be used inside the hive. Contemplating an outside feeder as well to cut down on disturbing the bees to change out the jars.

It comes with a screen bottom and removable bottom board that can be oiled up for mite counting.

This shows the board back in place. The bottom of the hive has a channel with a lip on one end that the board slides into and a latch that holds it in place on the other.

Hives

I drove to Julian, NC on Saturday and picked up our two top bar hives from Bill at The Garden Hive.

I had shopped around and liked the idea of buying from a local builder and we didn't have to pay shipping costs. I considered building my own, but my carpentry skills are quite limited, as are my tools.

We are in the minority in our area as far a preferring the top bar versus the traditional Langstroth hive. We are looking for pollination with a little bonus honey for ourselves and family down the road.

Our two bee packages are coming in March or April. We are excited.

:-)

Free range eggs, chives and thyme from the pots on the porch and oyster mushrooms from the box!

The only part of breakfast that had to travel far was the coffee.

I think it's harvest time.

I've posted the pictures as much to remember how long it takes for them to develop as to show off.

I may never get used to how fast mushrooms grow. They do nothing, nothing, nothing and then you can practically see them growing.  This is the difference in 2 days!