The Week in Pictures-Bees and Blooms

Asaparagus, Bees, Chives, Lilacs, Nature, Oregano, Reflections

Another Swarm

Early last week the bees looked like they were going to swarm again. They eventually settled down but we figured we should keep an eye on them for the next few days.

Thursday morning my husband said they were overly active and figured that was the day they were going to swarm. He brought out another hive to set up in case he could capture another swarm

Thursday afternoon he discovered the swarm in the nearby spruce tree again. He got the hive set up.

He then put on his protective gear and got his bucket ready.

Holding the bucket under the branch where the swarm had landed, he shook the branch causing much of the swarm to fall into the bucket. He put the lid on the bucket as he carried it to the hive.

He dumped the bees into the hive and put the top on the hive. He then returned to the spruce tree to repeat the process with some bees who had gathered back on the branch. As of today, Sunday, the bees are still in that hive. We now have three bee hives.

Shades of Purple

Lilacs

Lilacs

and more Lilacs

Chives

Thyme

Salvia with Violets

Salvia

Creeping Phlox

This Week’s Harvest

I harvested some chives and some oregano this week, both of which I am drying. I also harvested about 3 lbs. of asparagus. We have eaten some and I put some in the freezer. I also added some to a pot of split pea and asparagus soup that I made. The soup turned out really good. Hopefully we will continue picking asparagus for a couple more weeks.

Thanks for visiting!

26 thoughts on “The Week in Pictures-Bees and Blooms”

  1. I’ve always found keeping bees so interesting, but I could never do it myself. There is nothing better than fresh chives and oregano when you are cooking or baking! Thanks so much for sharing!

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    1. Hi Alex. Thanks for visiting my blog and leaving a comment. Bee keeping is not for everyone. I’m sure I would not have done it if I hadn’t learned it with my husband.
      Agreed – herbs fresh from the garden are delightful!

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  2. Great catch !! What a blessing to be up to three hives again. I miss seeing lilacs in the spring. I don’t see them all over in our area like they are here. They are a favorite memory from our childhood. I should plant one on the mountain in memory of mom 💜💜💜

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    1. Yes, these seem to be a very calm breed of bees. My husband often works around the hives, and he said he hasn’t gotten stung yet. I’m glad you liked the purple. I noticed an Iris blooming today and lavender is yet to come. 🙂

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      1. I had one old lilac tree with only a few blooms, a new lilac repeat bloomer bush which was covered with blooms, some lovely purple iris I just planted last fall, and lavender too. Today was heavenly, and the rest of the week looks great too. No humidity!

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    1. We learned bee keeping together so I have done it before. The first few times it was a bit unnerving. One time we had a swarm when he was away at work, so I captured it and put it in a new hive by myself. Nowadays I’m content to stand back and take pictures but I’m happy to know I could do it if I needed too. 🙂

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  6. How fascinating about catching those bees! Bravo!
    Thanks for sharing. I always wondered how that was done.
    I enjoyed seeing your lilacs. Ours froze this year, so no lilacs for our area.
    You just reminded me to check on my chives. I bet they are blooming.
    Take good care, and have a wonderful week ahead.

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  8. That’s fascinating how your husband has gotten the bees and now you have another hive. You and your husband are really self-sufficient in so many ways Ruth. I’m also amazed you already are harvesting from your garden. Those chives are pretty and also nice for your baked potatoes!

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    1. We tend to think of summer and fall as harvest seasons but there are some things that are ready in the spring. Even after all these years I have to remind myself to watch for asparagus as it will grow quickly and bolt before you know it. Also, I have to remember get chives and oregano before they flower (although chive blossoms are also edible).

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      1. Just amazing to me Ruth, but then we have had two hot spells this Spring – the 90s a week ago for goodness sake, so no wonder your asparagus is ready. Do the chives and oregano flower all Summer, or once and done, but the plants are still used for cooking throughout the Summer?

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      2. The chives will go to seed after they flower but I will cut them down before they drop seeds. Otherwise, they will take over the farm. 🙂 The oregano probably won’t flower for a while, but I may be able to get another cutting before it does if I remember. 🙂

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      3. Interesting … do you just chop them up and refrigerate/freeze them or dry them? I think you bought a dehydrator a few years ago. They were pretty and I know about flowers taking over as I planted ONE packet of Forget-me-Nots one Spring thinking some pretty little flowers for Spring. The following year, I was yanking them out by the handfuls as they overtook the whole area. A neighbor long ago planted Snow in the Mountain and it has crept over to my side and I can’t get rid of it.

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  9. This just shows my ignorance when it comes to bees but I would have run far away from that swarm meanwhile, your husband casually walks up and captures the whole lot of them! He made it look easier than it probably is so good for him. Bravo to you both for having three active beehives going. Much respect. 👍

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    1. Thank you, Tom. We have been keeping bees since 2013, so my husband has grown quite comfortable with the process. Honeybees usually are only aggressive when protecting their food or their queen. If they sting someone they die, so only sting when necessary.

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