Happy Halloween...
...from the monsters of Copper Bee Apiary.
Bee sticking her tongue out.
A garden apiary in Whittlesford, Cambridge, UK - honey bees and their beekeeper Hilary van der Hoff.
...from the monsters of Copper Bee Apiary.
Bee sticking her tongue out.
The quince tree produced a bumper crop of about 15 this year. Growing in the midst of so many beehives, it was of course very well pollinated! Optimistically I prepared 8 clean jars as I set about making quince jelly with honey. In the end I filled just two jars. A deep red colour. That's a lot of quinces concentrated into each jar. To be enjoyed with cheese and walnuts at Christmas...if it lasts that long!
The CuBA brand.
Read MoreI unite a big and a small colony in preparation for winter.
Read MoreThe air is full of busy buzzing bees!
Yesterday morning was overcast and drizzly, but the bees were still thronging back and forth from the hive entrances.
This morning, in the sunshine, the airspace is even more crowded - it's almost like summer again.
I wonder what they are foraging on? I have not noticed much in flower at the moment. I hope they have not found beehives in another apiary to steal honey from.
Busy bees of the Copper Hive
7th October. Copper Hive bees in the blustery drizzle.
8th October. Copper Hive bees in the autumn sunshine.
My bees and I make plans.
Read More