;) My name is Barbra, BEH is simply my initials (not very imaginative I know but seemed like the quickest most stress free option when I was registering). I am a wife and mother in Norfolk, Virginia. I live very close to Norfolks Botanical Gardens where the Azalea Festivle is held every year. Lots of bee plants, always something blooming. Although my professional background is mostly office work I have alot of experience with gardening and I love working with animals. My mother was a Master Gardener and nature buff, my older sister is a top Horticulturalist in the area. Some of my earliest memories are of working with them in the garden. Ever since I was a small child I would delite at the unusual plants and creatures they would bring me as suprises. Most kids asked for candy or dolls, I asked for native plants from my sisters trip to Mexico or that cool new species of Tetra for my fish tank. I have known and loved many different animals over the years, I shant call them pets because they have been members of our family. It is hard to say who has owned who.
I am definately a nurturer, be it of humans, animals, plants or insects.
I have wanted honeybees for a long time but it wasnt feasable before this. Now I am finally going to get them!! And I cant wait. Beekeeping is all new to me. I have encouraged natural nests of bumble bees and orchard bees in my garden for years. But that is totally different, they start over fresh every year and their temperment is way different, it has been more observation than anything else. Actually the bumblebees contributed to me finally getting a 'real' hive. Last year my husband disrupted the 'friendly nest' of bumbles in my garden. It was much much larger than any of us suspected. Hundreds of them boiled out, stinging my husband, myself, my son, my dog. Even though we had been stung, after they calmed down, my son and I were curious about the internal working of the nest that had been uncovered. We would look a little bit then run for cover. wait a while, look a little bit and run for cover. I didnt even think about smoke at the time. After seeing how persistent we were with the bumbles, my husband finally caved in and agreed honeybees would be a good thing, and probably much safer.
So here I am, I have been reading and investigating all winter. Spring is almost here and I finally have the money I need to start my honeybee adventure off right.(Even if I am getting a bit of a late start) I am really looking forward to how all the pieces of natures puzzle fit together. The bees, my garden, the fish pond, my family. All playing their part, providing something the other wants or needs. My own small little Eden in the middle of the city. Wish everything could be so peaceful. :)