Tuesday, September 17, 2013

My bees have a white stripe on their back - Himalayan Balsam

I see at this time of the year on beekeeping forums new beekeepers asking a question like "My bees have a white stripe down their back. They look like ghosts. Are they sick?" :) Far from it :)
As you can see in this photo the white stripe comes from the Himalayan Balsam pollen :) thats all, 
no big deal :)
The ladies dig the blondie look at this time of the season ;)
 Most countries find this plant specie "invasive". I have no clue what they
are talking about since they a TERRIFIC source of nectar and pollen for 
both our Honeybees and Bumblebees. I find mono-crop agriculture highly 
invasive yet our governments aren't doing much about it.
 That said, I will be propagating this fabulous plant which is 
flowering so late in the season when very little is. They are 
priceless for the bees. I started collecting seeds from it :)
I'm guerilla, invading the planet with bee friendly plants ;)
These seed pods explode on the touch and for this reason
I gently close the pods into my palm where they explode, otherwise
they scatter all over the place.
at

5 comments:

  1. UnknownSeptember 18, 2013 at 9:04 AM

    Hi, Che
    How about varroa mites?
    Is your bees are infected or free?

    Best regards
    GP

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dusko Bojic aka Che GuebuddhaSeptember 18, 2013 at 11:11 AM

      Hi,
      I dont care about Varroa and I dont think about it to be honest.
      I believe in Bees and Varroa co-exhisting and adapting to each other on their own without human interaction.
      Natural comb plays an important role I feel.

      Im not treating my bees if that is what you are asking :) My bees look healthy and energetic. Those who survive the winter will be split into new colonies. Thats all to it :)

      Delete
  2. Anders RydénOctober 3, 2013 at 9:50 AM

    Hi,
    Did you know the himalayan balsam seeds and flowers is edible?
    Just google himalayan balsam recipes.

    I,m plan to come to Holma on Sunday hope to see you then.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Dusko Bojic aka Che GuebuddhaOctober 3, 2013 at 10:14 AM

      Hi Anders,
      Thanks for the tip. I didnt know that :) great!

      Im looking forward to see you in Holma this Sunday. If you want you can join us in building Holma's first Top Bar Hive. It should be fun :)

      Bee well

      Delete
    2. Anders RydénOctober 3, 2013 at 11:38 AM

      I loock forward to build a TBH
      Bee keeping is in my future plans, nordic bees of course.

      Delete