Bee Happy for Christmas
It’s been a bummer for the bees lately with colony collapse disorder still a problem as this youtube PBS Nature video “Silence Of The Bees” explains,
While scientists, politicians, farmers, beekeepers and other concerned people try to figure this out, we can do our little bit to help by first trying to learn more about the issue and also perhaps increase your local population of bees right in your own backyard. This wiki on colony collapse disorder gives a great background picture of the problem. The bushfarms.com website is an excellent resource for all things related to bees and beekeeping.
The Backyard Beekeeper: An Absolute Beginner’s Guide to Keeping Bees in Your Yard and Garden by Kim Flottum $20.00 at Gaiam.com
If you are looking for a great book to get you started with beekeeping in your backyard consider the The Backyard Beekeeper.
Bee Condo $32 Real Goods
One way you might help boost your local bee populations and enjoy the results of their labor is with this Bee condo is made for mason bees who pollinate in the spring and are great near orchards and your garden, the Mason Bees are reported to be mellow as bees go. These condos are made from reclaimed, untreated fir posts and comes with installation and bee ordering information. Sadly, the bee condo doesn’t seem to be available until March 2009 – but you wouldn’t need it before then except to put under your tree or Festivus pole where they wouldn’t bee welcome anyway!
Beginner Beekeeping Kit $299.00 from Real Goods
You might consider this starter Beekeeping Kit that has all the elements you’ll need to raise your own backyard bees – except the bees themselves. This Kit from Real Goods includes a complete hive, wax, smoker and fuel, helmet, veil, brush, and instructions. However, at least one beekeeper in this article doesn’t think starter kits are such a great idea – and caution against it. At 299.00 it would be a good idea to do your research closely.
