'My' bees

How wonderful. You can indeed call them your pets. It sounds like you've wrapped them up well so fingers crossed that they'll be happily buzzing around the spring flowers.

Absolutely you can call them pets! I am very fond of 'my' honey bees, which put themselves in the roof of a porch at the front of the house about three years ago. They have been no trouble at all, although I do have a sign at the entrance to the garden warning people who may be allergic - not that they have ever stung anyone. Obviously we can't harvest the honey, as the porch is inaccessible, but they provide much interest & entertainment - for instance the 3 o'clock 'buzz-up' as I call it - what's that for, does anyone know? They have mostly retired to bed now, but a few will be around on mild days during the winter carrying out housekeeping duties. I'm looking forward to hearing about your experience of beekeeping, Jura2, so keep us updated...

We ony harvested a small amount of honey- just 5 jars. Honey is such a precious thing- and it takes so so much hard work for the bees. One of the many reasons for the demise of bees, is that they are over exploited.

Every spoonfull is respected and slowly measurably, enjoyed- so so precious.

Absolutely.We call the bees in the hive 'ours' which technically speaking they are not. We are foster bee keepers due to the fact that when the Secretary of our local been keeping society, who knew DHs late parents,heard we were moving to a property with a large ,south facing garden he asked if he could put a hive in it.Its wonderful. He comes and does all the work but gives us some of the honey in return.Plus he's a fount of knowledge,not just received bees but wildlife and garden in general, and very interesting to talk to.From time to time he brings a spare suit so we can garb up and have a good look.We're seriously considering one of us doing a bee keeping course when we eventually retire -a way off - so we can continue if he ever gives up.He's a fair bit older than us.Proudly our hive produced a bumper 157 lbs this year.His best yield in 16 hives.We were thrilled.We live on the outskirts of a large ,previously very industrial town.I had reservations initially,but we asked our neighbours if they minded.They have small children,and grandchildren.And we are now grandparents.I was worried about swarming. But so far it's been fascinating,and I feel very attached to 'our' bees.

What amazing stories - I'm terrified of bees but have the greatest admiration for bee keepers and the work they do to preserve our bee colonies. We need bees to keep our planet going and of course I love honey

Didn't know they lived through the winter [just as I didn't know butterflies do].

Best of luck to all you bee keepers, you’re doing an amazing job.

I keep thinking about them and wondering if they will make it through. They have had tons of snow, gales, very heavy frosts, and now almost Spring conditions. They are all wrapped up in 2 layers of bubblewrap, with breathing holes and the front grill free. I so hope they will make it - but we won't know for quite a while still ...

everything crossed.

It's lovely to see people care so much about wild creatures. One year, I had bumble bees nest in my compost bin. I felt very honoured and spent the summer watching them.

I would have felt like that too, RosieLeah. It is a privilege to be able to host these harmless and fascinating little creatures. 'My' bees are getting quite active now that there are some spring flowers around. Though they won't venture out when it's very cold and windy, they are popping their noses out as soon as the sun emerges and wizzing off to collect pollen or have a drink of water.

Brilliant jura2 Im not lucky enough to keep bees but everything in my garden is bee friendly and I love watching them..we all have a duty to do what we can for the health of our bees ??

Thanks- it is still very cold here, and we even had snow this afternoon. We have taken one layer of protection the other day - and we are on tenderhooks- will the hive have overwintered well and survived???

Will report when I know more ...

it's cold and pouring with rain, and the weather forecast over Easter is dire - poor things.

Forgot to update as I found is so upsetting. The bees owner didn't come to feed them on time early Feb as planned. She came 10days ago- and the hive for full to the brim with bees- she said she has never seen so many in a hive. They were all dead It truly upset me- and I felt so responsible- and tbh, although I didn't show it or said it- very angry that she had not been to feed them.

It is a huge responsibility and not one I took lightly- and found it very sad. If she asks to put another hive or 3 as planned - I shall have to say I will only do so if commitments are kept to.

Oooer so sorry about the bees. Maybe another reason to just encourage wild bees to your garden and not exploit them.

Jura2, so sorry to hear about the bees, and your dismay. Could you have your own hives ?

Geri - are you who I think you are? Yes- in many ways I agree. We only took some of the honey - but yes, I was very aware they had been working so hard to make them- and not for me. It certainly made me respect honey even more than before.

Auntieflo - yes, that was the aim. It is very highly regulated here, as it should be- you have to be registered, and trained- you can't just 'have a hive'.

But yes, our wild meadows (about 1 acre) are the only wild meadows left in the valley- full of wild crocuses in now, then full of 100s of species of wild flowers right through. And our garden has large borders of perrenial plants and roses (most from our UK garden- but many natives from here) - and lots of fruit trees, a wild pond- bees and so many butterflies are very active from April to end of October.