-Maria
Additions to our yard:
A new raised bed garden. The old one is now holding a generous collection of herbs.
A small 3 section compost bin, practical in location, to encourage frequent use.
In other news…new fisheye lens for my iPhone!
Author: mspdgtt
Today I met…
-Maria
Walter Johnson of McDowell County. He sells bee boxes and a few supplies. His grandson is working on becoming a master beekeeper.
His Website: HWY226BeeSupplies.com
Notes from my encounter…
- Says swarm season is about over in our area. (End of May).
- He uses symbols on hives-says it helps prevent them from drifting towards the ends. Middle hives loose numbers and get weaker.
- Leaves entrance reducers on all year long, helps defend against moths.
- Shrinks hives down for winter, a big hive area is too hard to defend in winter.
- Puts a solid screen with hole in it under the top screen. Prevents them from trying to propolis over it.
- Uses “all natural mite control strips” in September. Says they really do the trick.
- Saw a really cool paper mâché swarm trap…looked like a tree branch. He said it worked.
- He said that beekeeping used to be simple. You got bees. You kept bees. You always for honey. They never died off like they do now.
Master Beekeeping…
Photos in the Apiary…
-Maria
Today I met…
-Maria
The McCulloughs. They are both retired, formerly in education. She was the Melba of her school; he worked at the central office. They are very friendly and patient…but be weary of discussions about the bamboo! The are conscious of the issues facing bees. They actively plant barley and are growing lavender from seed. He keeps notes directly on his hives with Sharpie and has a wicked electric bear fence that he is planning to expand. They appreciate art and pottery; have an incredible unique entryway made of home made tile from a friend of theirs. They have about 20 hives.
Maria’s Notes on Mushroom Cultivation
photo bombing your blog…Can you score 10 points in the game “name that tea room”?
The Leaf of Tea and The Honeybee 