From Australia with Buzz: “The Queens Are Here to Slay”- no blokes needed.
Spring Buzz & New Beginnings! 🐝🌼
The sunshine is starting to make a more regular appearance, and you know what that means—our honeybees are officially out and about, busy foraging and doing their thing! It's such an exciting time of year when the hives come alive again.
A few weeks ago, I received my Australian bee packages (yes, bees really do fly in from the Southern Hemisphere!), and I’m happy to report that the new hives are thriving! Huge thanks to BC Bee Supply in Burnaby for coordinating everything so smoothly.
For those who might not know, honeybees aren’t native to North America. To support our local bee populations, we import packages from countries like Australia and New Zealand—places that have opposite seasons to us. While they’re heading into winter, we’re ramping up for spring, making it the perfect time to welcome new bees to our apiaries.
When I install (or “pour”) new bee packages, I prefer doing it in the evening when the bees are calmer and less likely to fly. Each queen arrives in her own little cage, sealed with candy—yes, candy! This sweet plug allows the colony to slowly release her over a couple of days, giving the bees time to get used to her pheromones and accept her as their queen. It's a fascinating process and one of my favorite moments in beekeeping.
Right now, I’m feeding my bees a nourishing mix of fondant and pollen patties to help them build strong colonies and raise healthy brood as we move into spring. Once those sunny yellow dandelions start blooming, the bees will naturally transition to foraging. (Side note: please don’t mow those dandelions too early—they’re an essential early food source for pollinators!)
And now for the sweet news: I'm so excited to be back at some of my favorite farmers markets across the Lower Mainland—and even one on the Sunshine Coast this summer! Head over to the Market & Event Page to see where Casey Bee Honey will be popping up next.
Thanks for following along on this beekeeping journey—spring is just getting started, and there's so much more to come! 💛
Spring is coming!
Joyful Signs of Spring: Bees, Ladybugs, and the Buzz of Biodiversity
As the days grow longer and the sun begins to shine a little brighter, you can practically feel the excitement in the air. Winter is slowly melting away and spring is on the cusp of bursting into full bloom. For our bees, this change in weather means it’s time to shake off the winter slumber and get back to work!
With warmer temperatures beckoning, bees are starting their foraging missions, scouring the landscape for nectar and pollen. This is not just about sustenance; it's crucial for kickstarting brood production in their hives! As they dart from flower to flower, they’re not only feeding themselves but also playing a vital role in pollination, ensuring the health of our local ecosystems.
While checking on the hives, I stumbled upon a delightful surprise: a family of ladybugs residing under the tarps! These little creatures contribute significantly to our gardens and plants, munching on aphids and helping control pests naturally. Their presence is a beautiful reminder of the incredible biodiversity that forms around our hives. The warmth radiating from the hives creates a cozy environment for many critters, providing comfort during the still-chilly nights of early spring.
As we welcome this vibrant season, it's essential to remember the intricate web of life that exists around us. Bees and ladybugs, along with countless other insects and animals, do their part to create a thriving environment. So, let’s celebrate the return of warmth, the blooming flowers, and the active buzz of bees working hard to bring us all the sweet gifts of nature!
Here’s to brighter days ahead and the joys of spring! 🍯🐝🌼
