Why Beekeeping?

Who can say when the earliest traces of an interest appear? Or when we begin listening to our most inspired thoughts, strong urges, and synchronicities? In looking back, I believe we've both felt a certain captivation with beekeeping for quite some time. It may have begun with the bee charmer scene in "Fried Green Tomatoes"....no matter. In its own good time, a path unfolded: our bookclub choosing to read The Secret Life of Bees; a fellow member saying, "My friend keeps bees, would you like me to give him a call...?"; spending a day (and a delicious brunch) viewing his hives and talking bees; and--much later--attending a day of beekeeping school this February to see if this hobby was even feasible in our suburban back yard with two dogs.
The answer? Yes!

Mainly we wanted to give beekeeping a try simply because it excited us and sounded like a whole lot of fun...something which would require both of our gifts and talents to do well. On a more altruistic note, we've read that wild honey bee populations have declined due to things like diseases, pesticides, and herbicides. The contribution bees make planet-wide in pollinating our plants and food sources is immeasureable. Even within our own neighborhood, the vegetation is relatively young and could use a pollination boost. You might say beekeeping is participating in a form of service to something quite beyond ourselves.

After we officially decided to try beekeeping, we began envisioning the recommended 2 hives....nestled in a "flower plot" we would dig to make them more discreet....surrounded with ornamental grasses, sunflowers, and such (keeping in mind the growth of these plants is a process!)....with mulch around the hives and plants to discourage weeds. This might all work and be beautiful! Being this inexperienced, we're not harboring high expectations. We'd love a space where humans, bees, dogs, birds, etc., can live peacefully and harmoniously together. I think we'll be doing really well just keeping the bees ALIVE and healthy, and producing enough honey for themselves to survive winter. Of course, harvesting a little honey our first season would be a most appreciated thrill!