Where bees, blooms, and bounty flourish
Beekeeping is the care and management of honeybee colonies for pollination, honey production, and supporting healthy, biodiverse ecosystems. Follow our journey to keep bees in the most natural way possible.
Varroa destructor is a damaging mite affecting honeybee populations globally. It weakens colonies and spreads viruses. Beekeepers monitor mite levels using sugar shakes or alcohol washes and employ organic control methods like drone brood removal and essential oils. Integrated Pest Management is vital, promoting colony health through diverse forage and good hive practices.
Harvesting honey is one of the most rewarding parts of beekeeping, but timing is everything. Taking honey too early can weaken your colony and result in unripe honey that ferments,…
Hive placement is one of the most important decisions a beekeeper can make. The right location affects colony health, productivity, and manageability. Poorly sited hives can lead to stressed bees,…
Installing a new colony is one of the most important steps in beekeeping. How you introduce bees to their hive determines whether the colony settles quickly, stays healthy, and begins…
When starting a bee colony, beekeepers can choose between nucleus colonies (nucs) and packages of bees. Nucs offer a head start with an established queen and brood, making them less risky. Packages provide valuable learning experiences but require more management. The choice depends on budget, experience, and desired involvement.
When you’re standing in front of a beehive, suited up and wondering what to do next, it can be overwhelming. Beekeeping is full of decisions: Do I add another box?…
After a harsh winter, all plants have survived, showcasing their hardiness. Progress is evident with a new fence for the orchard and relocation of bee hives for better health. A bloom diary will assist in continuous forage for bees, while older buildings like the horse stable will be refurbished, marking a season of renewal.
Spring has arrived at the farm in Hargraves, signaling a time of renewal. The garden is awakening, with preparation for new crops underway. Farm chores increase, particularly ensuring native animals and sheep are taken care of. New bees will also be welcomed, enhancing pollination and supporting biodiversity. The season inspires optimism and connection to the land.
After a long, cold winter, spring is finally around the corner; and we couldn’t be more excited. It’s one of the busiest and most rewarding times of year on the…
Early June began like any other—hives bustling with workers flying in and out. The hives were active one week, then silent the next. Concerned I suited up and ran over…
