Wild Sprout Apiary 2016

After two years of planning, the apiary was born. 2016 Configuration   Hive A:  “Modern Molly” Hive B: “Natural Nadia” Goal Survival Healthy Honey Hive Type: Langstroth Yes Yes Hive Size: 10-frame Medium Yes Yes Hive Materials Pine Painted Cedar Not Painted Frames Groove Top/Bottom Top wedge comb guide Foundation Waxed Rite-Cell None Pesticides (Varroa)…

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Mother’s Day 2018

This year, a bird decided to nest in our ivy under the pines. 5/20: 4 perfect little eggs. 5/26: Not a peep. When we pull back the ivy, the chicks are looking for a snack. Momma bird is definitely protecting the nest now. I know you’re going to ask: “what kind of bird is it?” …

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Swarm 2017

After the winter of 2016, when inspecting the original two hives, I had concluded: Hive 1 (the one I re-queened with an Italian) died and Hive 2 (the Carniolans) absconded. So in May 2017, when we noticed the swarm just above the old hives (in the pines), it gave me hope that at least one…

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Harvest 2017

2017 was a very dry summer, but having the water on automatic timers fueled the berries. Raspberry yield 5 gallons. Marionberry yield 2 gallons. Heirloom tomatoes…well, not so great: the plants grew ~ 15 feet tall, but low yield. Will need to figure out a better approach to tomatoes next year. 

Gift of Water!

I had no idea what it meant to have the gift of water….until 2017. It all started with our annual trip to Kalaloch Lodge in Olympic National Park in early 2017. We ventured on our hike, northbound this time, and found several rain barrels around the lodge. So, when my mom sent me Home D$$…

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Feeding the bees – 2017

The gardens are optimized for beauty and the bees. Perennial herbs are starting to be my favorite to plant. In 2017, I figured out that oregano, thyme, and sage are both beautiful and hearty to our damp, low-sun environment. Of course, berries are our favorite.