In our city we can't keep bee hives. I think that it is fear of swarming that keeps that in the laws. We live in a subdivision with a smallish yard so it probably wouldn't work anyway. What we can own is Mason Bees. They are a native bee to North America and they don't live in colonies they live by themselves. In town we have an amazing store called J.J. Cardinal's that carries all sorts of bird houses locally sourced bird foods and all things nature. You walk in and it just has a wonderful feeling to it. The owner collects the bees she sells from her own yard every year. We purchased a starter set for about $20 and it has three females and three males. We also bought cardboard tubes for the bees to set up for their offspring and of course a book. I can never have too many books. It looks like we will finally have enough warmth to set these babies out so they can warm up (right now they are napping in my refrigerator). So what are you guys up to?
What a gret idea. You come up with the best things. I am in Illinois, do you know if they ship the kits? Beverly Dehn in Melrose Park, IL.
ReplyDeleteI'm not sure if they ship but I will ask when I stop in later this week. You do have to keep them cold so they stay asleep but that probably isn't a problem.
DeleteI want to get some of these as well. We have two apple trees in our small yard that would also like the help :) Thanks for the update and excited to see how it all goes for you!
ReplyDeleteWe also have two apple trees in our front yard. I can't wait until they get big enough to start flowering!
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