Expanding the Bee Yard

I planted 12 apple trees this weekend in the new clearing. Quite a lot of work to get them in but they are  nicely lined up hopefully will settle in. A number of trees are now in the open with the clearing, so I have been trimming and getting the bittersweet out of them.

So I now have pears and plums from two years ago, these apple trees and replacement raspberries. Our caretaker mentioned that another cleared site would be good for trees so I am thinking of a few cherry trees.

First Inspection of the Season

First trip to the Island and to the bee yard for the season. The yard looks in good shape. I toured the space with Larry (the island horticultural caretaker) and will be clearing some to enlarge it a bit this spring - removing probably 50 years of invasive species that have taken over Farm Hill. If the additional space looks good (about  half an acre) will consider planting a small apple orchard near the top of the hill. Larry also upgraded the soil in the raspberry patch so I will replant this as well. The pond is pretty mucked up so I have to drain and clean it up.

The one hive that was still going in the fall has made it this far - I fed the hive with fondant - ungrateful bugs, they were all over me and very mad - good thing I had my bee suit on.

I also set up two hives for the packages that are due the beginning of May. Should be interesting - I pick them up early morning of the first ferry boat of the season and will bring them out with me on the morning ferry - that should keep everyone awake....

And Another Season

Really. I will be better this year.

Last summer was eventful. Both hives swarmed in June - captured one of them and have no idea where the other one went.  I saw them both just after leaving their hives and heading high into trees...

And both remaining hives either had dud queens or lost them, so down to one hive going into winter.

I plan to head out to the Island in a few weeks for winter feeding (I know it is late but have been working in Italy most of the winter). Ordered two packages from Overland with pick-up early morning of the first ferry boat of the season - should add some excitement to that boat.