Side benefits of beekeeping

tillie · June 02, 2006, 01:58:50 AM

Well, in addition to learning about bees and hopefully getting some good honey to eat and use, I've been recognizing all the side benefits of beekeeping that I've experienced so far:

1. My previous experience with a hammer was hanging pictures and occasionally putting together a shelf - now I regularly use it to build boxes, supers, frames (and I'm getting kind of good at hammering in the wedge and foundation)

2. I'm really aware of what's blooming in Georgia and whether or not the bees like it - and I've been a little frustrated trying to get this information - try a search on "what's blooming in X state" and see what you get

3. I've learned the difference between carpenter bees, bumble bees and honey bees - as far as I was concerned they were all just bees before

4. I'm planting my garden differently this year - put in 8 blueberry bushes, planted a peach tree and a nectarine tree, planted more bee-friendly flowers in the garden. So the benefit is that I will have a more beautiful garden.

I'm sure others have other ideas about side benefits....

Linda T in Atlanta

Ymbe · June 02, 2006, 02:26:17 AM

Couldn't agree more with you there. I think modern life, or at least the one I lead, creates a gap between you and the environment. Most of the time the environment is simply ignored or overcome, but as a beekeeper I am much more aware of the weather, seasons, plant blooming and abundance etc. This is, I believe, a very deep seated connection in the human psyche and one I've been happy to reestablish.

amymcg · June 02, 2006, 08:27:09 AM

I never knew what a black locust tree was until last year, nor did I care. Now I know they are blooming here.

Denise · June 02, 2006, 01:22:10 PM

I've become more aware of what's blooming. What, where and when. I find myself asking "would the bees like that?" We have planted several acres of our property with clover for them so there is something after the fruit trees are done. The fruit tends to bloom the end of February early March here. Very early seasons and lots of rain which is a bad combo for bees. They can't fly as much to take advantage of it. And it's over so FAST!

I like to just watch them go about their business and notice other bees. I've always liked bees, I just like to watch them more now. Bumblebees and other types of bees as well. We have a bumblebee nest right by the entrance to our chicken coop. I accidentally covered the entrance when I was pulling weeds. Whoops. We make sure the way is clear for them so they can come and go. I've noticed they look different than what I've seen normally. A pretty black and rust color. Because of them, we will have a great crop of blueberries this year! Thanks ladies! :D

I've become a staunch defender of them when people claim that anything that flies and stings is a "bee". Not so!! I like to educate people about bees when the subject comes up.

The more I read about bees, the more I want to read about bees. :o Bees rock!

Brian D. Bray · June 02, 2006, 04:39:16 PM

Back to Basic's. Those who are taking the plunge are finding that they've missed a lot this world has to offer. Having grown up on a farm as a Kid the luxury of having 1 1/3 acre with which to recapture my roots is refreshing.

Jay · June 02, 2006, 04:56:32 PM

Here are a couple of lovley plants that grow in my lawn that the girls love, but the neighbors think I'm crazy not to pull up:

mick · June 12, 2006, 12:40:49 AM

I think the best bit is marvelling at how nature goes about her business.

All that co-ordination. What is there 60-100 thousand bees in a hive, no fighting, everyone doing their job. Incredible.

The second best bit and Im sure overlooked is the effect of someone having bees in their yard on the local plants. Im sue every vegetable garden and flower garden for a mile around benefits from the backyard beekeeper.

Joe · June 13, 2006, 03:08:46 PM

Another good side benefit is the fact that people think your crazy for keeping bees and won't bother you as much.. :D

JP · June 14, 2006, 07:31:40 AM

Hey ya'll forgot another great side benefit...getting stung! Sorry, couldn't resist, kinda warped, I know. What can I say, I keep bees and all the buzzings gone to my head! All dementia aside, beekeeping definitely makes you pay attention to your surroundings and you look at the world and theirs in a whole different way. Flowers, good...nectar, good...honey, good...