Mason bees are busy here at the mo - since I took this pic the bottom four holes are filled up with new mason bee eggs and sealed up to hatch this time next year.

An interesting fact I read the other day is that solitary bees are much more prolific pollinatiors than the splendid honey bee... 

This is one of Marks 'Solitary Bee Habitats' on the wall for sale at Alby Craft Centre. The buyer will get a real bargain with all those bees in residence to pollinate the garden next year!

Willow Fedges

Here is one of my 'Willow Fedges' recently planted and already showing catkins!

Have had a major clear out to open things up a bit both here in the back garden and around the apiary and have gone a bit mad with the Willow. I think it looks great though.

This Fedge is planted lattice style to recreate a permanent boundary fence/hedge between us and our neighbours. As it grows Ill trim it like any other hedge.

The bees willow is a bit different. It's two rows planted staggered which I hope to harvest useable willow from each year.

Will photograph the bees hedge later so that we can watch progress

Bee on catkins

Was very glad to see the bees out in force this morning working the catkins. I am currently planting a Willow 'Fedge' next to some of my hives as its a great early source of pollen. I have chosen some varieties especially for the prolific catkins. Cant wait to see the results!

A happy sight

This was a happy sight today. One of my honeybees taking advantage of the beautiful warm sunshine to gather pollen. Very important for all the new brood that needs feeding.