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The tale of 100 bees

Hello everyone. I’d like to tell you a story.

I’ve moved from my 1924 Craftsman house in the city to a 2012 Craftsman house in the country. (more to come about that as soon as I get over the trauma of moving)

Included with my new home is a small greenhouse which is my great new love.

A few days ago a small swarm of 100 or so bees appeared by the greenhouse door.

I called a local bee keeper and said, “Hey, I have a small swarm of bees on my greenhouse!”

Beekeeper replied, “bees don’t swarm in late September.”

umm…

*looks at swarm

*looks at phone in hand

*looks at swarm

*requests second opinion.

Second bee keeper said that they do indeed swarm this late but unfortunately my little swarm, and by now I totally own every one of them and have already named each one, my little swarm will not survive.

He said that it’s too late in the season for them to begin gathering and building honeycombs and building up a population large enough that they would survive the winter.

More importantly, each bee only lives for 7-10 days so apparently they will all slowly die out.

*sigh

Nature raw in tooth and claw.

So I thought I would do the best I can for my bees and I packed the greenhouse with pollen and nectar treats.

I gave them a big bouquet of sunflowers,

balanced a large strawberry pot between the boxes,

and moved in some echinacea and sedum.

Well, fingers crossed for the little swarm that shouldn’t be. For now they’re enjoying their treats as well as the spirea outside.

Good luck my little buzzing buddies.

Comments: 4

  • Laureen

    September 24, 2020
    reply

    Looks fabulous!!! Love all the plants ?

  • September 24, 2020
    reply

    You win the Queen Bee Award for 2020!

  • Susan

    October 12, 2020
    reply

    Your bee rescue plan is terrific. A beautiful greenhouse filled with flowers for the bees to enjoy . Moving is stressful and hard work. Your new nest will be wonderful.

  • Jerry Mark

    February 25, 2024
    reply

    Hey

    How are you doing today ? Am Jerry Mark from Richmond Indiana,I love your work, do you have a price list I can see or any available artwork at the moment?i would like to purchase some of your arts as a surprise gift to my wife in honor of our upcoming wedding anniversary .As a matter of importance, I would also like to know if you accept check as a means of payment .i await your response

    Best Regards

    Jerry ..

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