Saturday hefting the hives and making a list of things to do

Today Colin and I will be checking to see that the hives have sufficient stores, ("hefting"), planting bulbs, I've had another consignment of Daffodils delivered unexpectedly and we'll be walking the site to see what work needs to be done and how urgently.  I understand that Bill Mundy is trying to get another grant for replacing the Pavilion roof and possibly the pond liner. When and if we get the funding those jobs will move to the top of our "to-do" list. We also have to move the paving slabs that our hives sit on to obviate the problem of Varroa mites climbing back in after they've fallen off their hosts and through the mesh floor, the bulbs are on-going, another "blackberry attack" is due as quite a few are sprouting where they're not wanted, once the pond is lined and filled we'll be looking to plant up the pond, (if you've got a pond and can spare any aquatic plants we're in the market), new plantings to enhance the Apiary garden are always at the back of our mind, the Battery Pit needs to be lined and roofed,  there's always weeding and pruning to be done and of course there's always equipment maintenance and repair.  Phew!

Barry

Oxalic acid, application and efficacy.

On Saturday 7th Jan Colin and I duly treated the Bees on the Apiary to an Oxalic acid bath.  We planted bulbs, only a few left to go in now.  Today Sun 15th Colin and I checked the varroa trays and there has been quite a good drop, at a very rough estimate, 3 or 4 mites  per square inch.
On Wednesday next we'll be lining the pond with carpet, it's a cheaper option than sand or the commercial equivalent but perfectly adequate.  Hefting the hives to check on what stores are available to the bees is another job and then there's the bulbs.

Barry

Next Saturday, winter Varroa treatment with oxalic acid and planting bulbs.

Anyone interested in the Oxalic acid Varroa treatment will be welcome on the Apiary next Saturday.  They'll be especially welcome if they've carried out the procedure themselves as this will be the first attempt by Colin or I and were not too proud to take advice.  There are also crocus, snowdrops, winter aconites and anemone blanda bulbs to go in.  If all the bulbs flower in the spring we should have an attractive and forage rich apiary.  Last year I planted a few daffodils, anemones and crocus and they went in in mid February.  They flowered beautifully if a little late and the bees made good use, especially of the crocus where they collected plenty of pollen.
Barry