World Bee Day! An important day to remember and celebrate our favourite pollinators
Where bees, blooms, and bounty flourish
The Story of Stuff shows how our take-make-waste system harms people and planet—it’s time to shift toward a circular, sustainable economy that values everyone.
Bees exhibit remarkable and unusual traits beyond their role in honey production and pollination. With a sense of smell far superior to dogs, they communicate through pheromones and carry static electricity. They evolved from wasps and possess complex intelligence despite their tiny brains. These unique qualities underscore their vital importance in ecosystems.
Propagation is a valuable skill for gardeners, enabling them to clone plants, preserve native species, and increase garden diversity while saving money. Methods include cuttings, layering, division, and growing from seed. Understanding propagation enhances plant biology knowledge and transforms prunings into potential new plants, fostering a sustainable gardening practice.
The first quarter involved waiting and planning amidst mixed weather, with some rainfall relieving pressure on dams. Progress included organizing orchard fencing, preparing soil, and transporting trees. Beekeeping has shown healthy activity and honey production. Overall, the focus was on groundwork and preparation for future planting and production.
Autumn is crucial for beekeepers as it prepares hives for winter survival. During this season, beekeepers must ensure adequate honey stores, monitor for pests and diseases, and maintain hive equipment. Reduced activity and changes in bee behavior signify the shift towards conservation. Proper autumn care sets the stage for healthy colonies in spring.
When a hive lacks a queen, panic is common, but understanding natural resilience helps. Observation is crucial for identifying egg presence, and interventions can mimic nature’s solutions: raising a new queen, introducing a mated queen, or merging colonies. Minimal disturbance and careful monitoring of the colony’s behavior support recovery.
Plant propagation allows gardeners to create new plants from existing ones through methods like cuttings, division, layering, and sowing seeds. It saves money, preserves plant traits, and enhances garden ecosystems. Understanding propagation deepens knowledge of plant biology, making gardening more rewarding. Spring is an ideal time to learn this beneficial skill.
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.