Compost Bin - Free

I've been planning on making a compost bin for quite some time, years actually. You know how you say you're gonna do something and it never happens. Well, I've done it and the cheapest or I should say the least expensive way possible.

Four pallets from a business down the street from the office - stopped and asked and I got 4 free and help loading them in the Jeep. Now that's nice!

The lattice I already had and didn't have any plans to use so that made the back. Three pieces - one extra large and two short but it worked out just right.

I have a little more to do - stapling wire on the back and sides (I have some left over from something) and a board in the front of each bin - have some of those laying around too. Then I can get started . . . .

Can you see her ball - it got stuck or dropped in between the boards.

Lily was a really big help!

Nucs

I'm not sure you can see the queen cell but this is Nuc #2 - top left - kinda in the middle.




This is another frame from Nuc #2.

Hot and Checking Bees

Hive #6

4 supers

Hive #4

Now with 5 supers and two hive bodies.

Hive #1

4 supers

It's in the high 90's and the heat index has been over 100 for a couple of days. I need to get my honey but now's not the time but I did want to check on the nucs. So early this morning, I got suited up - even then, it was already over 80 degrees.

Nuc #1 - still has one frame to fill out and I did see the queen again. Easier to see in a nuc - not as many places to hide.

Nuc #2 - I didn't see a queen but I did see two queen cells so maybe they'll get it done soon.

Both nucs had lots of bees, brood and pollen. This is my first try at making a queen so I'm pleased with what's happening.

Since I was suited up, I checked on the other hives. Just popped the top and added a super to each hive - just want to be sure they have room till I can take the honey. These supers will be used for winter food - if they're not completely full in the fall, I'll just rearrange some frames. I need to have a super full of honey for each nuc when I put them in a big house.

And I like to have plenty of honey for the winter for all the hives.

3 B's

Bees love all of these.




Borage








Batchelor Buttons

Corn Flowers

Bee Balm

Monarda

Shelton Herb Farm

Last week I had the pleasure of going to Shelton Herb Farm in Leland (about 8 miles from Wilmington). I had met Meg Shelton at an Herb Society meeting last year when she gave a talk on herbs to our group. The farm specializes in herbs, vegetables, native plants and cut flowers. She's also at the Farmer's Market at Poplar Grove Plantation on Wednesday mornings and the Riverfront Market downtown on Saturday mornings. If you're interested in herbs and vegetables, it's a great place to visit.

Chives





Lavender

Lemon Balm



Oakleaf Hydrangea
















These are some of the many plants at Shelton Herb Farm.

Yard Art

The Little Black Kitty

Full House

It's been hot today and late afternoon the bees were hanging out on the porch.

Hive #4

Hive #1