What to say, What to say?
We live out in South Santa Cruz county in the Pajaro valley. Lots of large scale commercial ag. We are up a small valley at about 500ft. elevation. Our valley for the longest time was planted in apples but the trend is toward wine grapes. The valley ridges are mostly in eucalyptus with the slopes in poison oak, manzanita and other chapparel sp. We have our two hives in our small orchard of apples, peaches, plums, and pears. In addition we have about a 1/4 acre of lavender and mixed cut flowers in the back yard.
We have two hive, one Italian and One Carniola. Both started in the Beginning of April from packages. Fed for build up then left to there own devices. Had some Varroa on the sticky trap early on in the season but none since the bees have been working the Lavender.
We have had bees before but weren't successful.
This year things seem to be going better.
Cross our fingers.
Renmag