I mentioned that Chris took a beekeeping course. He'd set up the
stump hive a couple years ago but hadn't had any luck getting any bees to spontaneously move in. So it was time to get educated and get a "standard" hive set up.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiTbnGMoMikYgsW8tSmmxhXGING3iieQZ4PKvYW6vQ_zm1AMccM6LHkHQjqmqnTs3GOMnVTy6v2UtQcjrZOiFUuOmm2pDoPgA88G2mSeaH_N-NflXONrjea9i1wwiVUJULOPPNrGF1ZHj0/s320/b1.jpg) |
The new bee suit |
The first class was on building a hive and basic beekeeping. They built a base, the lower deep (or brood chamber), the inner cover, and outer cover. They were also given a metal top to make it all waterproof. When Chris got home he put together an upper deep (food chamber), a shallow honey super, and many more frames. Then I got to decorate it. Woo-hoo!
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjBNXtZPGFdzZSWDZrDxvjwD1fCzKLKYElBW2ARHo_LUQTbWIHEr586l_O5Fn8ja9yTdAEquq51SYPsmb4a77ttYm4Xh5F8Q9G7In-QHf16_55Cwf-rw7t0jhIRTiGUsLnnepQH8EqS-VM/s320/b2.jpg) |
Flower, butterflies, and bees - oh my! |
I had a lot of fun doing this. I especially like the many bees I put on the honey super.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLlFNmViOn6_DhHIdYIPyLOqKj_tijtANSkx50dPfxR4ej8lIH_y1UoT3yKOLYHF83AvT0z5NC0Fz6RG3Ap-AjgACmvS4uE0iGrMAD4st8FmCZXUqqoZ9278_mSgFMvhhIpitO8qOyeic/s320/b5.jpg) |
Bees in flight! |
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDWC9rtZcqBPHxe3GB8mHsTlSL3AmvP0Bf-skfyvKt2yz7v75UEr5aENxAE0ihkw9jKQZSqq6jIrudXQNVA4cAxEoybFKoz467t4upxbxtn-7eNCKr3DYut5OdgEHh35cZUGI5cpAS8nE/s320/b6.jpg) |
Each side is a bit different |
Chris built a rock base that still allows air flow under the hive. It's very stable and blends into the environment well.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZRr5pZj8Mt4huoB4xa6iq8QYtnZ76w0ABGJXGsWm2EUpuFZzDjHDRw8-9dvcNhsSMN3s8QFjrioUOHvbZ9b6zIIShk5EfNXPRn4s8gy7e5B34O4CsbZ2aJxFJhXWRaH0e_ik0jFbOx3k/s320/b7.jpg) |
That's the garden rock wall in the background |
We placed the hive close to the edge of the woods but where it would get morning sun.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg4xbxWYh55Y-nbLX1hQUkMOHFDLZWAcybgIC8eZzBj6cEtNzEtxgM7At6Or_qBFdD6idSH0ZCw44YznuBuIkgJsJFfTSWlsjcru5hnm6N3tKoUr2Cy2Dzu0MPhKzTLs67Cp_fR6bgdi3E/s320/b8.jpg) |
Fully assembled |
It's also up near the stump hive in case they decide they'd like more rustic accommodations.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9scSfmHTgm3SbwWh5B-jYmRaI2KqCXfXx3lRNjfJ2-dcRQP4tlZDsaFP6AZbY3Qytd9ew2HipYYdcEYjmLS7_XLzTgzD4KNyBuU-ji9GOoaNiQ-hwG3MvUAbqlBc8kzwt8Nu_1dUjOpQ/s320/b9.jpg) |
Maybe some day they'll need more room |
The hive is near the woods - but not too close. The trees should help protect the hive from winter winds and provide some much needed shade in full summer.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSl2PxDR4cJrOJt6cXmn1xTJuJY3qkL5-EERBdTStJQDrAlMgUIiiWCVf00taDoO6a134GpioDXweFjgrroXM2v1tDJAwKjJusdFK6kYkYu2eYajdKtWFl6nt8QgI6o8_5nGWqfyYn6KQ/s320/b10.jpg) |
It's so happy looking |
As with any new endeavor there is stuff to buy. Such as this smoker.
![](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRvPGj-1dazDoNImwmlSY9CqLXvPBchsHoCwWA92_VxRpMXG7C-7OMmpi70m-TbHTPpulfI1G2gE7ksMTzJQ0LyBN8BLWl7QPlyV10QFVVL7NxDlErBTDbt0lDCgjDD20kv6ba-dNunXw/s320/b11.jpg) |
It works! |
The next class is when they'll actually get the bees. We're very excited.
Love the decorated hive. It looks very welcoming, hopefully the bees will think so too. Beekeeping is a wonderful endeavor. I wish you much success.
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