I have been educating myself about bees. Last summer we had our first hive -- it was really a project Rick started and maintained. I was clueless about what was happening... This year I want to participate. So all Fall and Winter I have been reading books, watching youtube videos trying to comprehend more of this wonderful subject. I am particularly interested in saving the bees. They have taken so much in the last 100 years that has weakened them. Polinating our plants for food is so important... Backyard beekeepers have an important role in saving bees -- we can offer them environments with less pesticides, because conventional farming is loaded with pesticides...
Brenda, my Dad was a beekeeper before he passed away. Now my 23 year old son has become a beekeeper, and he loves it. I remember seeing honey bees EVERYWHERE when I was a child. I see them less now that years have gone by. We really do need more beekeepers! Bees are a wonderful and fascinating subject!
Posted by: Yvette | February 29, 2012 at 11:12 AM
Brenda,
This is something I've always been interested in....we've got lots of honey bees and carpenter bees, but not sure where the honey bees live at. Can't wait to see more and hear more about them. I've read a lot about bees and the plight of them that has been caused by pesticides....when are people going to wake up?! I know you have, and bless you for that!
Posted by: Tammy | February 29, 2012 at 04:49 PM
I've loved bees forever. I've wanted to become a beekeeper for years. At some point, I may try a hive here at the new house. But, first, I need to get a garden going. I love everything about beekeeping...honey, beeswax...it's all wonderful! Keep us posted!
Hugs,
Courtney
Posted by: Courtney | February 29, 2012 at 07:03 PM
I love all your enthusiasm! I am just "buzzed" about bees right now... trying to learn about capturing a wild swarm... so interesting. I will definitely keep you all posted!
Posted by: bbmarie | February 29, 2012 at 09:03 PM
Dear Brenda,
I've got lots (and lots) of rosemary in my garden and lavender, that draws the bees who travel in a radius of about four to six miles for nectar. There are more beekeepers than ever now, and I've heard guilds are springing up too. I think we are on the virge of a real age of artisan honey by these beekeeps.
Posted by: julie whitmore | March 03, 2012 at 10:38 AM
How lovely your garden must be! I think I see a trend towards backyard bees gaining momentum in the USA... just like backyard hens a few years back. It is exciting how this grassroots network is building around the world!
Posted by: bbmarie | March 03, 2012 at 01:15 PM