Time to Build an Ark

We had a close call this week.  Bee Hill came perilously close to being under water.  A ferocious storm blew through -- lightning struck so close the house shook -- and the rain poured down Tuesday night, and part of the day Wednesday.  Our plans of expanding to two smaller hills on another part of the property dissolved upon the discovery that they were submerged.  Mark couldn't resist the opportunity to wade out and snap a few pictures. Clearly, his boots were not tall enough for the task!

Bee Hill, March 9, 2011

The Intrepid (and Wet) Beekeeper

One of our young pear trees in bloom.

What's Blooming in Your Neck of the Woods?

Before I became a beekeeper, I didn't pay much attention to the details in nature, such as when flowers bloom.  I've always loved flowers, and used to plant them each spring with my mom (Hi Mom!).

This year, however, my eyes were hungry for the first signs that something, anything was blooming.  First came a tiny purple flower called Henbit, which I'm sad to say is called a weed.

Next, a tiny white flower.  Name unknown.

And a tiny pink and white flower.  Name also unknown.  Help me out, here, plant people!

But, by far my favorite, the glorious pear.  Pear trees this time of year look like giant snow ball puffs on sticks. I took this photo of someone else's pear tree.

 Our pear tree is much more the Charlie Brown variety.  But it's close to the bees who are delighted it's there.

Mark pulled down a branch so I could get a better shot of the delicate blossoms.  (He's wonderful and patient like that.)

Red bud trees are blooming in the edges of some woods.  Daffodils and other bulb flowers are springing up.  So what's blooming where you live?