What to say, What to say?
We live out in South Santa Cruz county in the Pajaro valley. Lots of large scale commercial ag. We are up a small valley at about 500ft. elevation. Our valley for the longest time was planted in apples but the trend is toward wine grapes. The valley ridges are mostly in eucalyptus with the slopes in poison oak, manzanita and other chapparel sp. We have our two hives in our small orchard of apples, peaches, plums, and pears. In addition we have about a 1/4 acre of lavender and mixed cut flowers in the back yard.
We have two hive, one Italian and One Carniola. Both started in the Beginning of April from packages. Fed for build up then left to there own devices. Had some Varroa on the sticky trap early on in the season but none since the bees have been working the Lavender.
We have had bees before but weren't successful.
This year things seem to be going better.
Cross our fingers.
Renmag
good luck and welcome
Renmag. Welcome to our forum. You have painted a very beautiful picture of where you live in my mind's eye. It sounds like things are going great with your bees. Tell us what happened when you tried to keep bees before, without success, I would love to know. This is a wonderful place to spend time, this you will find out. Have that most wonderful and awesome day, Cindi
I love Santa Cruz, we have family inland from you. Beautiful area for sure. Good luck with your bees!
Another California women here!!! I live in Placerville about 45 minutes north of Sacramento. I have 2 hives which I started in August 2006. It has been challenging to say the least, but I never give up and so far have 2 strong and healthy hives right now. You can ask many questions here as you go along and hopefully you can be successful this time around. I could not have done it all without this forum and the wonderful members who are so helpful.
Keep in touch.
Annette
Allright! Another Santa Cruzan, or Corralitos-ite, whatever... welcome. I will look forward to your posts on how things are going in our part of the world.