The bee gathers its materials from the flowers of the garden and of the field, but transforms and digests it by a power of its own.
– Leonardo da Vinci
The bees
I’m a new beekeeper, but the bees pictured below are not my bees. I’ve immersed myself in honey bee culture: I study their beauty and learn about their importance to the environment. I learn from advanced beekeepers, teachers, apiary owners, the Back Yard Beekeepers Association and bee supply store owners. My vocabulary now includes: drones, workers, propolis, bee broods, Queen, pollen, nectar and winter survival.
So when a Westport beekeeper, Melissa Gryspeerdt, invited me over for a spring hive inspection and early pre-tasting, I jumped at the chance. By watching thoughtful, generous and experienced beekeepers like Melissa, I see what is possible for my hive over the next year and beyond. These are Melissa’s hives below. I’m inspired.
PS: I did taste a tiny bit of honey in my own hive the other day, but it is too early to fill even the smallest jar (although I have them ready!). Perhaps a year from now, New Moon Honey will be a reality.
*Below beekeepers are Melissa Gryspeerdt and Rafaell Frrokaj.
All of these photographs are taken by me, using my Leica Q and my Canon 5D Mark 3. The video is with my iPhone X.
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