In the early hours of the morning and the break of dawn, the smell of paperbark drifted through the air to mark the arrival of the bees at Bandusia. Outside, amongst the forest Anthony Andrist, Permaculture Sydney Institute’s beekeeper, sets up the hives and settles in the bees buzzing merrily around him. Facing north in a sheltered position, three Langstroph hives were positioned into place with grace and tranquillity. Students on the PDC course helped and in a matter of moments the job was done. Surrounded by privet, tea tree, gums and neighbouring orchards, these bees will not go hungry even in winter. These Langstroph hives are just one of several hives PSI will be showcasing on PSI’s upcoming practical weekend beekeeping workshop in April. Participants will be able to collect and process honey from the Top – bar and the Warre as well.
At the break of dawn the bees arrive just in time to forage at daylight. On the back of a ute from Sydney, they travelled happily across the Hawkesbury river ferry not bothering a soul.
Anthony explaining the process to Oscar, a Permaculture Design Certificate student from Switzerland.
Balancing up the hives so they are perfectly level for even honey production
A few days later Anthony does an inspection of the hives. Note he has no fear nor need for protective clothing.
All is going well and we look forward to healthy organic fresh honey real soon.
For more info on honey bees or a consultation at your place with Anthony Andrist see Honeybee Permaculture on facebook or phone 0420 652 010.
