Stung!!

With the temps in the 50’s, it was the perfect day to check on the hives, clean out the bottom boards covered with layers of dead bees, and add some emergency winter feed. (Winter is sure to last at least another month!

“Suit up! Where’s the smoker?” (Smoke helps to calm the bees, or scares the bees into thinking there is a fire.) Our window of opportunity was small, so it was off to the hives without the smoker. BIG MISTAKE.

The warre’ hive check up was quick. The bees were hardly disturbed in the process. The bee patties we put on the warre’ were completely gone–yikes. Two more frames of honey, which were taken from a hive we lost in the fall, were added. Hopefully that will take care of them till the first spring blooms appear.

The langstroth hive, on the other hand, was full of bees and honey. Taking off the bottom board was a chore. One medium box full of honey and two boxes of bees–HEAVY. As soon as we opened up the hive they were all over us. Several climbed up AJ’s pant legs and began their attack. Thank goodness for lavender oil!

Sweet Baby lavender!

Sweet Baby lavender!

It has been said that winter in Wisconsin doesn’t really end until early April. That may be true. Weeks of cold grey sky and muddy sheets of snow slush gives new meaning to the doldrums of Wisconsin. There comes a point in time when I think everyone has had enough of winter.

But not today on the farm. With the arrival of 172 baby lavender plants, spring is literally just around the corner. This year’s new additions will include Violet Intrigue, Peter Pan, Melissa, and Sharon Roberts. All lavendula angustafolia. Winter’s not so bad when you have fresh lavender in your kitchen–smells delightful!

 

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