Pollens and Pests under the microscope.

That's me at the very back right of the laboratory ( red hair) picture taken at Harper Adams College during a Microscopy teaching day ...keeping bees now means checking for pests and diseases and for some of this work you need a microscope and a knowledge of dissection and how to prepare slides and samples.  Really interesting. Looking at pollen under the microscope is amazing. Each plant pollen has its own unique size, shape and pattern.

Champagne Cider emerges from the dark.

Our Champagne Cider has emerged from the dark cellars - 2 years in the making, now corked and caged and dressed to impress,  enjoy slightly chilled and share if you feel generous. The first batch took First Place in the cider event at the Devon County Show 2013 - lets see how this batch gets on in the judging 22nd May 2014.  If going to the show check out the results yourself in the food tent. I will be helping in the Honey tent and George is serving in the Devon Ales tent where West Lake Cider is on sale by the glass. Come and say Hello.

Great to see our honey bees out.

 

We are relieved to see our Bees have come through this mild winter and out foraging the crocus.

We have seven hives and all are alive and well bringing in loads of pollen this week. The perfect sign that the Queen is laying.

However there is still little nectar about so we will continue to feed the bees a sugar solution (nectar substitute) so bees get a balanced diet of pollen and nectar. 

 Don't forget to plant out some bee friendly plants this year which are high in nectar.  Check out the RHS website which has a list of such plants

Those visiting the cottage can join in the beekeeping - we have some new spare suits.