Wow, who knew a post that had to do with BUGS would get a huge response?? :)
So yesterday's bee post had a few people asking questions. Yikes, my apologies to those who tried to read the whole story on WildAtHeartFarm (my alternate farm blog). For some reason Google/and or Blogger conspired not to let me on (grrumbble), but you can read it now by
CLICKING HERE.
Hopefully it explains some things.
Some fill in the blank explanations--yes, we live in the city and yes, *ahem* bees are banned here but my landlady managed to pull some bureaucratic strings since she is an well-known environmental activist...
The bees are hived on our roof, which is a green roof with little shrubbery on it...and have already begun collecting pollen. I would suggest if people are interested in doing something similar, they check out their local city and town ordinances and seeing if beekeeping is legal. You might be amazed that certain cities (Chicago for example) DO allow bees to be kept. Once you have authorization, it's just a matter of getting equipment and bees.
Bees will be your hardest bet as they sell out quickly from most apiaries. I would suggest that most people order in January of the same year they want to hive. You will have to hive asap--before flowers and trees bloom, so they can collect pollen before winter, or they cannot convert it to nectar or honey.
If anyone is interested in learning how to hive and isn't too far from NYC--*ahem* I don't mind traveling next year (and no, I am not kidding, as I really do want to see more people beekeep, and I love meeting new people)!!
Sooooo cool Zan! It's really fascinating!
ReplyDeleteYou make me want bees!
ReplyDeleteThanks Kimmie!
ReplyDeleteDella! Then my evil plan of spreading bee love is working!! Mwahahahahahaa! ;)
you are such a rock star!!
ReplyDeleteYou are too much, I didn't know that about Chicago, that is where I'm from, who knew, actually I prefer Bees with fancy shoes
ReplyDeleteKarey
Hey, I take some of those bees..if you take some of these darn Carpenter Bees for us! hehehehe I love learning about bees...and eating their honey too!
ReplyDeleteCheers
Interesting write-ups, Zan! There is quite a large group of beekeepers in our area of the Ouachita Mountains. They have formed a group and meet once a month.
ReplyDeleteNot too long ago, I saw a semi-trailer loaded with bees & hives stopped at the local truck stop & the driver was readjusting the tarp. Don't know where it was headed (should've stopped and ask the driver). There were bees flying around the trailer. I have quite an admiration for bees - they perform a very important task (besides producing luscious honey!)
Good luck to you with the hives and how lucky you are to have found such a wonderful landlady!
Thanks for the comments, guys!
ReplyDeleteKaerie--yes, I didn't know this about Chicago either, but my landlady got the idea from her friend, who has hives atop her roof there.
Hehee--Michelle, well, will the carpenter bees fix the wood in my house? :D
Thanks Michelle (3rd EyeMuse)--you are making me blush!! DOH
Oooh, Jeanne...that's a curious incident, for sure!
Fascinating information Zan! You are awesome!
ReplyDeleteVery cool that you are able to do this and I bet the outcome is worth it too! ☺
ReplyDelete