What's flowering: Queensland

max2 · November 03, 2019, 02:44:06 PM

We are getting a few light showers - that is all for now. It is very dry.
Always a bit sad to loose swarms. It is like a set-back for the honey too.

The nuc's are doing well and I have not been feeding them at all. never have to.

max2 · November 04, 2019, 09:07:30 PM

I have been checking my nuc's in a yard were I don't go every day.
I noticed a Leptospermum flowering.
It is quite a tree rather then a shrub. I'm wondering if it is Leptospermum flavecence?! also know as Wild May.
The timing would be about right.

max2 · November 08, 2019, 05:21:30 PM

Just noticed that the Tipuana Tipu ( the Pride of Bolivia) is flowering.

It has been very hot and very dry but these trees seem to do well under such conditions.
The Jacarandas are still flowering too.

max2 · November 10, 2019, 12:42:03 AM

I'm told that the Brush Box is coming out on the way to Maleny. Always worth keeping the eyes open for them.

max2 · November 12, 2019, 04:31:51 PM

13. 11 - the Buckinghamias are out and doing well. Last year I noted them on the 18. 11. Maybe the dry is bringing out the flowers a little early?
This is a close relation to the Mac Nut. I wonder if it is safe to assume that the honey is a sgood?
It is used a street tree around here ( eg Landsborough)

max2 · November 16, 2019, 01:56:03 AM

Waterhosea floribunda https://www.gardeningwithangus.com.au/waterhousea-floribunda-weeping-lilly-pilly/

Is now coming into full bloom. The bees love it and we have quite a lot of these trees along the Mary River. While it is very dry Waterhousea can access the water from the river and seem to be specialy splendid during these very dry years

max2 · November 17, 2019, 04:56:46 PM

The Mexican Tree Fern is flowering . It is recognised as a bee tree but the flowers are too high and make observartion near impossible.

We have quite a number of these trees around here, possibly sombody distributed seedlings some years ago.
https://www.cabi.org/isc/datasheet/48989

max2 · November 20, 2019, 07:55:07 PM

21. 11.19 --Albizia chinensis: https://www.pugetsoundbees.org/bee-lunch-silk-tree-albizia-julibrissin/

The information above is for A. julibrissian but I assume that A, chinensis is not far off.

The bees love the flowers. Absolutely buzzing.

The tree seems to spread a little as we see trees coming up ( and growing fast) in odd locations

max2 · November 23, 2019, 03:45:22 PM

We took some honey off - not much, just enough to keep the markets going.
The Waterhousias are in full glory. A bit of hope for the bees.

Bamboo · November 25, 2019, 03:23:50 AM

Have you increased price since our last discussion some time ago? Good argument due to drought and no real flows happening yet.
Took some off on Sat as well, probably another 120kg to come off yet as well.

max2 · November 25, 2019, 07:18:55 AM

No, the price is still the same...what is the going rate on the coast?

Bamboo · November 25, 2019, 07:32:23 AM

Hard to say but I am selling mine at $10 per 500gm glass jar.

max2 · November 25, 2019, 10:53:24 AM

Looks like we are too cheap at $ 7 for a 500g glass jar

Bamboo · November 26, 2019, 02:43:14 AM

Now would be a good time to have a price increase. EVERYONE knows about the drought and hives being burnt in the bush fires and that the public have been told that honey will rise in price due to all those factors. Highly justifiable and most people would understand. Market economics supply and demand. I'll guarantee our flows won't be like last year.
Cheers
Mark

max2 · November 27, 2019, 04:42:26 PM

I have to have a look into this. There is so little to sell..

max2 · November 28, 2019, 04:10:14 PM

29.11.19 - Angophoras are flowering.
Not totally sure ehich one it is? I should take a closer look and key them out.

Both seem good for the bees here. https://www.honeybee.com.au/Library/pollen/costata.html

max2 · November 30, 2019, 04:36:29 PM

1.12. 19 - I'm told that the Ironbark is out on the ridges. Anybody else seen any? Any Brush Box out?

Bamboo · December 02, 2019, 03:34:31 PM

A species of Leptospermum is out down here at the moment. Not sure which one of the 86 it is. Might need to get Simon Williams around for an id. Don't see much activity on it.

We only got 8mm on Sunday evening it all seemed to go south of us. Did you get much up there Max?

max2 · December 18, 2019, 05:27:10 PM

Hi Mark,
I have been away for 21/2 weeks volunteering in Cambodia - just got home with a cold...I think the result of AC.
Looking out from our verandah I can see the Angophora in full bllom. Mt wife tells me that she can smell honey in the evening. here is hoping.
We had 8 mm while i was away - very dry all around us.

Bamboo · December 19, 2019, 06:41:47 AM

Welcome home Max
Not much flowering down here, had to steal some frames of honey from a full super for some nucs that I had promised tonite. Nothing much apart from a few palms def no flow down here. We are so dry the grass is crunching underfoot now. Had a great crop of dandelions....didn't mow the place so the girls had something at least. Finally slashed the bottom paddock after a couple of months no flowers of any description and it was becoming a fire hazard. Everyone is a bit on edge with the slightest smell of smoke.
Had guests staying and a heap of people round for drinks on Sat night and ran out of water!! Long story but took me 7 hours to get pump going again.
Off to the big smoke, literally (Sydney) on Sunday for the Xmas break.
Hope you and yours have a safe and happy Xmas and the fires stay well away from us all...rain would be good too.
Cheers
Mark