Banning Deadly Pesticides

Avaaz.org is running a campaign at the moment to have deadly pesticides banned from use in certain crops and areas in Europe. Personally, this should not even be on an agenda with all we know about bees and poisons these days.

However, it is, and it does far more harm then perhaps we will ever know for decades to come. If you haven't already, please follow the link to their website and sign their petitions. The have done some great work over the years - and I am pleased to see them speaking up for the bees.

Azaaz Bee Campaign 

Gardening with Bees in Mind...

Today was another day that was a bit of a disaster as far as weather is concerned .... wow the amount of rain that came down in the last 24 hours is unreal. But, we cope and hopefully someday will dry out! LOL

It was also a day of mucking around in the garden, the air is warm and it was nice to get out there to see what is starting to burst up through the soil. I love this time of year with it's promises of all that is to come from a healthy growing garden.

Planning the garden is something that many bee keepers take fairly seriously with a few flowers and herbs that bees love I like to plant my herbs because it strengthens them as well as us. But there are many other plants they benefit from too. 

Flowering plants such as sunflowers, lavender and marigold flower either at different times or can be staggered to have something in bloom during the entire summer season. And in early spring any of the crocus, daffodils and snowdrops can be planted to give the bees a little head start.

Fruit trees and shallow pools of clean water are also helpful to have around for the bees.... Just keeping them in mind when planning your garden can go a long way!

Top Bar Bee Hive 

Herbs to Strengthen and Survive...

Today was not a bee day - however, they are certainly being discussed everywhere I go. With all the talk and attention being paid to the plight of the bees, it should all start to come together for them, one way or another.

One conclusion we have come to in our own journey with our bees - is how they need hardy, native  plants in the local vicinity in order for them to thrive. It's always a great idea to plant anything bee friendly however - so if you are planning your garden this year, keep them in mind as well.

As for me, my passion lies with the herbs and I am thrilled when our bees arrive to sample the many flowers and blooms on the thyme, sage, marigold and various other favourites around the garden. This year I hope to expand it a little bit more to give them an even better foraging range.

Herbs strengthen us - and I am certain they do the same for the bees.

A Cold Rainy Day in West Cork...

While it's not exactly feeling like spring anymore, but....we know it's really on the way because there are signs of it everywhere. The daffodils in the shops, the crocus are coming through the soil and the days are at long last a little longer.

These signs of spring bring up some interesting points for us as humans - some of us pay attention while others go along their way without a side ways glance at what might be taking place around them. When we compare our own distractions to that of animals, critters and creatures of the earth - they seem to not have lost this important link to nature.

Indeed, they could not survive without it. And perhaps, that should be a lesson here for us on this rainy day...we are no different. 

Our life, well-being and health depends entirely on the ability of natural elements to provide for us. Making a little space in our minds to take this on board might be a great place to start for a shift in the art of appreciation.

A brand new bee hive....

Wishing for Spring....

The bees have been making little trips outside the hives on these warm days but not venturing too far yet as it is early in the season and not much around for them to eat. It is such a wonderful promise of spring though to see them come out and scout around.

Anyone who has bees or who has spent any time around them could appreciate the feeling that all is well with the world because the bees are out and about. Usually this time of year they are doing a little housekeeping and tidying up after the long winter weeks.

I am only hoping that a warm spring and a lovely summer is on the cards for us which will be a bonus for these beautiful creatures....

One of our hives set up with bees....

Speaking of Bees....

Bees are so important to our survival - even the greatest minds of our time have commented on their existence. As a family we have been taking their plight personally and over the years have been doing our little bit to help in any way we can.

We have had Top Bar Bee Hives now for a few years and are always conscious of their role in our gardens and our lives. Of course, like everything else we do, we have our own design and our own approach to handling the bees. 

With this in mind we hope to write about our adventures in Top Bar Beekeeping as often as we can and through this let you know about the things we have been finding out about the bees as well as ourselves. 

One of our own Top Bar Hives with viewing glass