What is Blooming Now to Feed the Hives?

IN addition to always keeping fresh water in the yard to keep your bees and other creatures from thirst in the summer heat, one of the things that changes when you start keeping bees, is that you become keenly aware of almost anything that is blooming as a possible food for your hives. 

 One of Luba's honey bees on capped honey

Right now, despite the drought, Magnolias are still blooming and  the bright colors of Crepe Myrtles have never looked so sweet in my life before. Tallow trees are also blooming along with a few grasses and clovers.

Crepe Myrtle Blossoms

The buckwheat that we planted a few weeks ago is still growing, despite the heat, and although small, is starting to blossom along our drive. That should give them a little something to snack on as well.

Anya's Progress- late June

 Anya's Honey Bees

Cooling off in the heat on the edge of the hive

Honey in the brood comb

Anya's Brood Comb, much lighter in color
and texture than Luba's Brood Comb

Sharing Nectar

One of Anya's Honeybees walking the newly contructed honey comb

Bees gathering

New honey comb construction

Anya's older capped brood comb

Anya's nursery-fresh brood comb with new brood

Honey bees on frames in Anya's hive

More honey bees on Anya's hive frames 

Luba's Progress- late June

Honeybees on newly created honey comb

Building out new comb

Honey production

Honey making backlit by the Sun

Adding the cap to the cured honey

Honey bee at work

Honey in process and capped comb on the right

Luba's Nursery.. Capped brood honey,
then bright new baby brood on the left
 and capped comb on the right with some bee bread