Saturday, May 11, 2019

Bee's are here



It's been cold and rainy most days for the past month.  Today, however, is sunny and in the high 50's...still too cool, in my opinion, but the sun feels very good.  It was a good day to take a drive to pick up my bees.  I tried a new vendor this year, just for the heck of it. Given my history with losing bees, I figured I could spread the wealth!  But they are from the area so should be good stock used to our weather here in Southern Vermont.

The forecast for the week is showing a few days of sun and the rest is rain and cool.  One day it won't get to 50 degrees! Bees won't do much foraging until it warms up more and I suppose they'll want to get used to their new surroundings.

In my yard, I have vinca, daffodils and another spring bulb flower.  I've put out my geraniums on the porch but hanging plants are still in the greenhouse.  They have Petunias so they would prefer warmer temperatures.  Forsythia is at the end of its bloom but I did see some dandelions around and some tiny white flowers that appear on the lawn.  They were mowed a few days ago but will be back in another day or two so that'll be good pollen for the bees.  I know there's lots of pollen out there given the yellow on my car.  I noticed I don't have that much in the house.  Probably because the doors and windows have been mostly closed since it's been so chilly.

I just ordered a varroa mite jar lid so I will be checking for mites in a few weeks.  I need to be diligent with it this year.  My fingers crossed for a good bee year!

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