I started to bat the idea around last Winter after hearing many reports about the rapid decline in the honey bee population. I started paying close attention to the types of bees I saw buzzing around last Spring and Summer. I saw tons of wasps, especially those horrid red ones that dive bomb you every time you step out the door. I noticed bumble bees, and the pesky carpenter bees that love to destroy any wooden structure. There were always yellow jackets on hand every time we ate outside, but rarely did I observe honey bees. Not on my flowers, not in the garden, not even on my huge tree-like hedge that when it blooms, the fragrance wafts on for miles and miles... well maybe not really, but it is very potent. So, I bought a book, watched lots of on-line videos and most importantly I met the local BeeMan. 
He is a very kind and extremely knowledgeable man whose entire property is filled with bee hives. I have to admit that my first visit to his place was a bit intimidating. He was out working in his "bee yard" and there were thousands of bees flying everywhere. I had not thought to bring my hat and gloves and my first inclination was to hop back in my truck and high tail it out of there. But he assured me that his bees were very gentle and he himself was not wearing a veil or gloves so, I followed him around, observing what he was doing and asking tons of questions. He was very patient and answered them all and even offered advise and information I had not thought to ask. By the time I left I felt comfortable, knowing that the bees would not attack me on sight, I began to envision a type of relationship developing between me and my bees. Much like the relationship I have with my other animals. I will tend to them and care for them and in return, I will be rewarded with good pollination and the sweet golden nectar.... honey
He is a very kind and extremely knowledgeable man whose entire property is filled with bee hives. I have to admit that my first visit to his place was a bit intimidating. He was out working in his "bee yard" and there were thousands of bees flying everywhere. I had not thought to bring my hat and gloves and my first inclination was to hop back in my truck and high tail it out of there. But he assured me that his bees were very gentle and he himself was not wearing a veil or gloves so, I followed him around, observing what he was doing and asking tons of questions. He was very patient and answered them all and even offered advise and information I had not thought to ask. By the time I left I felt comfortable, knowing that the bees would not attack me on sight, I began to envision a type of relationship developing between me and my bees. Much like the relationship I have with my other animals. I will tend to them and care for them and in return, I will be rewarded with good pollination and the sweet golden nectar.... honey
Sounds yummy, doesn't it? Well, wish me luck on my new adventure. Yes, there will be pictures:-) ~Rhonda
14 comments:
Oh girl my dad raised bees.i just loved it and the honey. when other kids in school were chewing gum I was chewing honey comb )
Can't wait to follow this. Do you have your bee hives( homes) built?
Great music!!
I am looking forward to reading about this venture. I have done a little reading in the last year about the bee/hive problem and I read that organic bee keepers are not having the same problems...something about the chemicals used to prevent mites. Have you ever heard anything along those lines?
I would love to keep bees someday when we don't live in town. Can't wait to read your stories.
Rhonda, I do wish you all the best. I admire your decision. We love our bee man! It has made all the difference for me to eat honey...all those pesky allergies are long gone.
Bee farming sounds wonderful!!All the best with it.I wish you success.And do keep us posted on details.:D
love
chaitra
I want to do bees next year, so I'll be following your adventures this year very carefully.
That all sounds very exciting...my husband has always been intersted in bee keeping. His grandfather did it for years. But, I have to admit, bees are a bit intimidating. What a wonderful critter to introduce to your garden and farm, thought. I wish you the best of luck...and lots and lots of yummy honey.
How wonderful! I can envision jars of wonderful golden honey! Best wishes to you!!
Good luck in your adventure! It is a bit disturbing about the honey bees declination, really. Where would we be without them.
Oh Rhonda! How exciting!! When I first started blogging there was a gal that was a beekeeping and I LOVED reading about her experiences. After her little baby arrived, she gave up blogging. I can't wait to read all about your adventure.
Good luck from this woman urban beekeeper in New Zealand - I have 2 hives in the city and they both do extremely well. It is autumn or fall as you call it,down here in the Pacific and the varroa treatment has been done ready for the bees to huddle up over winter. We don`t have really cold temps here in this part of the country, I always leave plenty of honey on so don`t have to feed the hives over winter.
I am so excited for you! I am, unfortunately, one of those people deathly allergic to bee stings so keeping bees is not an option. Hubby and I were just lamenting that fact last weekend. It is something we would have liked to do if we could.
Now, that is pretty neat! I look forward to seeing more of your adventure with bees.
That is exciting. I love your spirit and the fact that you are always willing to take a chance and do something new. Your little boy is a lucky young man to have you for his Mommy.
Hey Rhonda,
I started thinking about doing this last summer as well. It's so important to help the bees. Without them, we'd be in a "heap" of trouble for sure!
Good luck and please be sure to post what you learn.
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