An Urban Bee Yard

[utahbeekeeper]

Such a perfect day today that I thought I would capture and post a shot of our hives.  We are inner city . . . but with a bordering large back yard on the south.  Nearest dwelling is a fourplex about 50 yards off to the right.  The fence line between them and I is covered with Virginia Creeper, and the fence between us and that large back yard is full of beautiful wild rose.  This tall vegetation is great for altitude control as the bees come and go.  The higher the bee line the better, right?  The Millcreek is just 40 feet away for lotsa water, and the corner of our home is a mere 30 feet away.  However, our back porch, grill and outdoor furniture are a good 60 feet away and out of the traffic pattern.

Note the substantial SBB's and the excluders in place.  No, they really are not honey excluders.  I do place the first super on absent excluder to allow some eggs to be laid ( a frame or two) so as to "prime" the super thus keeping the bees interested in making the passage when I do put the excluder on.  I'll make the first harvest early July in time for our Farmer's Market, and the second in late September.  The flow here in town just never seems to stop.  Wishing all of you a perfect day, and all Dads everywhere a warm and wonderful Father's Day.

[misfyredOhio]

Beautiful picture! I'm also an urban beekeeper. Thanks for the inspiration!