2 days ago I have seen many Drones in front of hive entrances not being allowed to re-enter the hives. This morning I have seen dead drones under the entrances on the ground which is a clear sign that Drones have been evicted in my colonies. Let me notice that this happened before the end of July which is not the case in most conventional hives because they suppress swarming impulse of their colonies and do drone culling and all sorts of manipulations which puts bee biology on hold, hence even drone eviction takes place later in the season. Its a known fact that Varroa prefers to breed within Drone cells. Less drone brood = less Varroa, naturally. So instead culling drone brood at the start of the season when bees need all their drones for mating with virgin queens, I let my bees evict drones after the swarming season is over.
By the way I have noticed a very interesting plant in a near by town which started blooming in late spring and is still blooming now end of July! :) The bees are working it with great enthusiasm :) I must find its ID and get some for our forest garden.
That plant looks like some kind if heuchera to me. Usually, I see heuchera with reddish leaves, but there are varieties with green leaves as well, it usually begins in the spring and blooms through July in my area.
ReplyDeleteSorry I missed this reply of yours. Yes you are right it must be a Heuchera and the bees love it and it blooms for ever it seems. It is still in bloom now and it doesnt look like its planning to stop any time soon :) So far Reseda and Heuchera are one of my favorite plants which bloom very long. Is this Heuchera a perenial?
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