A Few Morning Photos in The Blueblood Apiary

[blueblood]

Took a few pics this morning checking on the swarm #8.  I always enjoy watching the bees take off in the morning.  The sun is low enough I can see where they are shooting off to and what pattern they make coming out of the entrance.  The multi-color wild flowers are Sweet Williams and the yellow ones are of course, Coreopsis.

[Dunkel]

Very nice pictures.  I also love to check them in the morning and late afternoon. Especially on a flow, sights, smells and anticipation

[G3farms]

Good looking yard Dave!

First couple of pics of the flowers, are those growing wild or did you plant some seed?

I always look at my bees before I leave for work and before I go in the house at night, Just have to look at them for some reason!

[mamapoppybee]

Such pretty treats! I love your deep pink flowers. what are they?

[Jen]

G3- "I always look at my bees before I leave for work and before I go in the house at night, Just have to look at them for some reason!

Me too    And in our warmer weather, I keep jars of syrup on at night as well, so I enjoy going out with the flashlight tucked under my arm and replace the syrup. It's comforting to hear their hum in the night.

[blueblood]

Good looking yard Dave!

First couple of pics of the flowers, are those growing wild or did you plant some seed?

I always look at my bees before I leave for work and before I go in the house at night, Just have to look at them for some reason!

I do the same thing G, going back morning and evening and all day when I am home.  That is how I catch my swarms.  I had the DNR out when I bought this property and took his suggestions on grasses and wildflowers.  The DNR loaned me a back mounted spreader.  I loaded it with blue stem and mixed it with several pounds of Indiana wildflowers.

[blueblood]

Such pretty treats! I love your deep pink flowers. what are they?

Those are Sweet Williams.  Their color combos are nearly infinite.  https://www.google.com/search?q=sweet+williams&espv=2&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=3UWLU_vHC82tyATwn4LIDg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1366&bih=643

[tbonekel]

Beautiful morning shots!

[tbonekel]

Do you have Indian blanket up there? That's what is really going strong down here. And now thistle is looking good.

[blueblood]

Yeap, it will bloom soon.

[G3farms]

Thistle is just making its purple head here, will bloom very shortly.

Jen, I take a flashlight sometimes too and have to get down on my knees and look into the hive entrance some nights.

Dave I think I will do that with the wild flower seeds, contact my ag extension agent for varieties. something else for next spring.

[blueblood]

G, I actually got them from here: http://www.outsidepride.com/  You can search product for your zone.  Pretty cool!

[G3farms]

WOW!! Little pricey for me.

Thanks for the link though!

[riverbee]

dave, AWESOME PHOTOS!  thank you!

we were just accepted for a usda pollinator grant, a thread here i will update with info on it.  last year we planted almost 1 k (our own) for the bees, and just planted some buckwheat.  we use prairie moon nursery out of winona, minnesota, and will continue to use them in the future.  the local usda will be working with us on additional native plantings, flowering shrubs, trees and bushes, and maybe some cover crops. i am excited!!!

[BoilerJim]

Thanks, Dave. Very peaceful.