Reading about your bees and you surviving the winter was breathtaking. I used to keep bees in Illinois and could empathize with that battle of wills. Every hive is different! So much personality determined by the queens.
Spring is certainly here despite the naysayers. Still a little too cold to unbox these bees for a good search through, but I’ll open the roof today and place another block of fondant.
The wonderful thing about blackcurrants though, are they are the only fruit whose leaves use and smell of the fruit. I make a blackcurrant wood oil and infused vinegar each year .
This I could try. And use lots of water in the summer … there is something special to that scent and flavour of blackcurrants, earthy, 'voluminous' … and that colour, too.
Lovely words Will, thank you. I particularly love reading about you guarding the bees .. talking to them, singing even! And rhubarb .. love it. We arrived back from a trip to the uk a month ago and I threw a big container over one of the crowns. I think it’s working 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Wonderful words, Will. JoJo is forcing rhubarb as I type. We may well have to preserve it like this! Love your descriptions of Spring. I suspect we’re a week or two ahead of you in our little corner of France but I’m proud to say the pear clippings are lying on the ground just like your expert’s. Laziness on my behalf, I suspect, luck not judgement!
Yes would definitely be ahead… I’ve got broad beans from Italy. I commented to JoJo above a tip for the rhubarb, is to place straw around the stalks(according to our garden team here) …
Sublime! Infrequency makes the words and images even more welcome. Less is indeed more. Cheers mate, and thanks from the colonies! 🖖
I’m always very grateful for your kind words Baird. Thank you for reading.
Reading about your bees and you surviving the winter was breathtaking. I used to keep bees in Illinois and could empathize with that battle of wills. Every hive is different! So much personality determined by the queens.
Thank you! And enjoy your spring!
Your photos were lovely by the way.
Thank you Cecilia for your kind words. I’ll let you know how the season progresses.
Beautifully written - and spring is in session! I am locked in for everything bees, wishing them (and you) well this coming season.
Spring is certainly here despite the naysayers. Still a little too cold to unbox these bees for a good search through, but I’ll open the roof today and place another block of fondant.
In rhythm with nature and the seasons. Thanks for sharing, Chef!
Glad you enjoyed Aki. Thank you .
Beauty of life
Yes indeed. Thank you.
One of the few plants that don't grow over here is rhubarb. At least, that is what all believe ...
Though I like rhubarb, I'd prefer to grow black currants, which grow, but don't make currants. I've tried.
A very nice read. Thanks.
The wonderful thing about blackcurrants though, are they are the only fruit whose leaves use and smell of the fruit. I make a blackcurrant wood oil and infused vinegar each year .
This I could try. And use lots of water in the summer … there is something special to that scent and flavour of blackcurrants, earthy, 'voluminous' … and that colour, too.
Lovely words Will, thank you. I particularly love reading about you guarding the bees .. talking to them, singing even! And rhubarb .. love it. We arrived back from a trip to the uk a month ago and I threw a big container over one of the crowns. I think it’s working 🤞🏼🤞🏼🤞🏼
Thank you JoJo. We’ve tried forcing here and the consensus is also to cover with straw if that’s any help…
Yes, I have some straw around the crowns as well!
You see… You know what you’re doing… Crumble ahoy…
Wonderful words, Will. JoJo is forcing rhubarb as I type. We may well have to preserve it like this! Love your descriptions of Spring. I suspect we’re a week or two ahead of you in our little corner of France but I’m proud to say the pear clippings are lying on the ground just like your expert’s. Laziness on my behalf, I suspect, luck not judgement!
Yes would definitely be ahead… I’ve got broad beans from Italy. I commented to JoJo above a tip for the rhubarb, is to place straw around the stalks(according to our garden team here) …
I’m pretty certain JoJo has ‘straw’d’ the ‘barb! We inherited SO much straw in hidden lofts around the farm and we’re still working through it!
I love the thought of inherited straw…
All sorts of mystery finds around the place!!