gavin

Hi!
I noticed that not all the hives are pointing the same way, is there any reason for that?
If you can keep the long grass short you will get a much better clover crop..
ttfn
Calum

Hi Calum

Yes, the squiggly line was my doing, to try to minimise drifting. Doesn't work for the Monkish bees as they do it anyway. Maybe they picked on that colony as it also had been given thymolated syrup in the autumn, whereas the intervening colony wintered on heather honey (and still smells delightful when you lift the lid).

The grass in the orchard is under the control of the owner, and she brings in sheep for a few months each summer. They caused chaos the first time they were brought it, pushing hives around and almost off their stands. Last summer it was very wet and the grass grew luxuriantly before the sheep were brought it.

G.

Looks like bee heaven!

And in the other direction there are woods and more open areas with carpets of snowdrops and also aconites, and between the two ... over the wall ... the most incredible piece of history with lovely and fascinating people, but I can't say any more as I don't want to reveal all about where these bees are!

Do you get wood honey from lice?

When my bees were at home (within flying distance of the woods) they did occasionally bring home patches of dark mid- to late-summer honey in a few frames which I thought was honeydew. Never enough to spin out. I haven't had any since the bees moved to this site two years ago.

Generally honeydew honey is infrequent in Scotland, but then I'm not sure how many folk deliberately place bees in the forests. Is it spruce that gives you honeydew honey?

BTW, aphids, greenfly, blackfly ... I think the term plant lice has fallen out of favour.

Just been exploring 'blog' for the first time and came across your wonderful apiary site - fantoosh area. Lucky ladies!
I see you are using the same straps I have. The only difference being is that you know how to use them whereas I cannot fathom them and get them really tight. Must be an E.coast trick??

Originally Posted by POPZ

Just been exploring 'blog' for the first time and came across your wonderful apiary site - fantoosh area. Lucky ladies!
I see you are using the same straps I have. The only difference being is that you know how to use them whereas I cannot fathom them and get them really tight. Must be an E.coast trick??

Oh, it took me years to learn how to work these straps! They still make me nervous the first time I tackle them each year. I think that I prefer the ratchet ones rather than the cheapo flip 'em over types.

Yep - you get what you pays for. So it is not just me - good. Ratchet next time I empty my piggy bank I think. Yesterday I hefted my hive and because I have changed the stand they are on, I nearly tipped the whole lot over forwards. Very nasty moment!