I still have bees

[mivona]

We went to the allotment yesterday to clear another bed and to plant our first crops - garlic and broad beans. It is nice to have the planting cycle beginning again, to have all the plans for the allotment.

While I was there, a bright but cold day, I had a look at the hive from the outside, and could see that there were a couple of intrepid bees at the hive entrance. I didn't want to open it, because it is way too cold and it would chill them, but I was pleased to see some signs of life there still. There are quite a few dead bees, but there will always be some losses over the winter.

So, fingers crossed.... I won't be able to have a proper look until about March.

My youngest daughter is going to start taking the beekeeping course soon, and my eldest and I will be taking our beekeeping exam later in the year.

[Hepburn]

Thats so cool, miv. Im glad there are some bees still hanging about.
I was in the yard the other day...and this time of year, there are no bees. Supposedly. But...cold though it was, there are still a few flowers budding when its sunny out, and I see a few bees still moseying along collecting. Makes me happy to see that.

[uglimouse]

That's great Mivona!
We could use you both over here in the West. There's apparently cause for great concern the last few years. Bee-tenders are valuable.

[oddish]

That is so cool Miv! I'm so jealous that you get to start planting already. I just got done driving an extra 5 hours to get home to bypass a blizzard the short way. I hate winter!

[HopelessSinner]

Miv
how big is your allotment and how far is it
from your house ?

[mivona]

My allotment is about 250 sq m in size and is behind my house. I have to walk down the road to the entrance gate and back to it, but it is less than 5 minutes walk to it.

My friend has the allotment that is nearest to our house, but he is going to let us have a bit of it this year to plant stuff on, as he doesn't manage to keep it up. We are going to use a bit of his to plant space hungry crops - squashes and pumpkins, I think, and perhaps a patch of sweetcorn.

[HopelessSinner]

That's a nice size
good luck to you this year
I have seen some nice gardens