Honeybees (Apis melliefera)

Beekeeping is a wonderful hobby. I have always been fascinated by the inter-relationship of the beekeeper and his/her  hives.  Honeybees are known for their production of honey but in fact that are responsible for pollination of flowers as well as many of the foods we eat. Honeybees are not native to North America but they play a valuable role in US agriculture today.  Today most of the feral "wild" colonies have disappeared and beekeeping in America is in danger without the careful attention of managed colonies.  As the pressures from disease and pests continue to grow, beekeepers will become even more important in the struggle to maintain healthy bee populations.  I want to be a part of that effort.  Beekeeping is a fascinating hobby and a great way to meet people and make new friends of all age groups and backgrounds.  If you are fascinated by honeybees find a local beekeeping group in your area.

Our farm is located in upstate South Carolina nestled in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains.  The local climate provides just enough cold to make one appreciate summer and often too much heat that makes Autumn a welcomed relief.  My husband and I have remodeled an old family home complete with house and barn.  Many times we have thought that we should have built a new home instead but most often we would not change the memories for anything.  Our land consists of some pasture land, a small hardwood forest and two small streams.   A natural spring is located on our property and this small stream runs between the house and the woods.  This natural spring provided cold fresh water and served as a natural refrigerator for the Anderson family in days past.  Now it is a cool place with warm memories for everyone.

Lets Walk Through the Gardens...(my personal hobby)

I have always enjoyed playing in the dirt.  As a child, I spent many a hot summer afternoon making carolina red clay (mud) biscuits to bake on the outside of Granny's brick chimney.  Maybe that  is why I still cant make good biscuits today :)  I still enjoy digging and planting but have a more long term goal in mind.  Gardening provides a mental outlet for stress as well as an opportunity to enjoy the outdoors.  I have built several water gardens around the property.  These small pools of water are a mixture of fish and plants.  The fish are shameless beggars and always wanting food.  Nearby, the hosta garden provides a shady retreat with great variety of color  and leaf shape. In the Spring, tall bearded Iris burst from buds on tall stalks and refuse to be bypassed without a second look.   Perennial  Daylilies are the perfect plant for the "lazy gardener".  Yes.. sometimes that title applies to me.  Drought tolerant and relatively maintenance free once established, they will provide a long cycle of bloom for your summer garden.