Harmony's Symphony: The Tale of Bees and Orchards in Honeyvale

A short fictions story for your enjoyment.....

In a quaint little village nestled amidst rolling hills, there existed a remarkable harmony between bees and orchards. The village, known as Honeyvale, owed its name to the sweet nectar that painted the fields and the delightful buzzing that filled the air.
At the heart of Honeyvale stood an ancient orchard, its branches adorned with apple, pear, and cherry trees that bore fruits of unparalleled sweetness. But this flourishing paradise owed its bounty not just to the tender hands of the villagers but also to the diligent work of bees.
The village was home to an old beekeeper named Mr. Williams, whose love for both bees and orchards was legendary. Every morning, as the sun's rays gently kissed the horizon, he would stroll through the orchard, his footsteps creating a soft rhythm that resonated with nature's melody.
Mr. Williams knew the secret to the thriving coexistence of bees and orchards lay in the delicate balance between the two. The bees pollinated the blossoms, spreading life-giving pollen from flower to flower, ensuring a bountiful harvest. In return, the orchard provided a haven of blossoms and nectar, nourishing the bees and their colonies.
But there was one bee, in particular, that stood out from the rest. Named Lily, she was a curious and adventurous worker bee. While her sisters diligently followed their daily routines, Lily yearned to explore the world beyond the orchard's boundaries.
One day, as Lily flitted from blossom to blossom, she noticed a faint, sweet aroma carried by a gentle breeze. The scent beckoned her like a siren's call, and with a thrill of excitement, she decided to follow it. Leaving the orchard behind, she embarked on her daring adventure.
Lily's journey led her to a neighboring valley, where a wildflower meadow greeted her with vibrant hues and intoxicating fragrances. The meadow was a paradise for bees and butterflies alike, and Lily marveled at the kaleidoscope of colors dancing in the sunlight.
Yet, as much as she enjoyed her newfound discovery, Lily couldn't shake the feeling that something was amiss. She missed the familiar faces of her sisters and the comforting hum of the orchard. With a heavy heart, she realized she had strayed too far.
Back in Honeyvale, the absence of one of their diligent workers did not go unnoticed. The orchard seemed quieter, and the crops showed signs of distress without the bees' vital touch. Mr. Williams and the villagers grew concerned, realizing that the balance they had cherished for generations was at risk.
Meanwhile, Lily made her way back to the orchard, her wings carrying her as fast as they could. She felt a mixture of joy and relief as the familiar sight of the orchard's blossoms came into view. The reunion with her sisters was one of joyous celebration, and they welcomed her back with open wings.
In the days that followed, Lily shared her adventures with her fellow bees, recounting the wonders of the meadow beyond. But she also spoke of the unique beauty and nourishment that the orchard provided. Her tale reminded the bees of the vital role they played in the harmony of Honeyvale.
From that moment on, the bees of Honeyvale understood the significance of their existence. They continued their diligent work, pollinating the blossoms with newfound dedication, and the orchard flourished once more.
As seasons passed, the village of Honeyvale became known far and wide for its bountiful orchard and the delectable fruits it bore. Tourists flocked to witness the spectacle, but they were not just drawn by the fruit-laden trees. They came to experience the captivating dance of bees, flitting from blossom to blossom, orchestrating the symphony of life in perfect harmony with the orchard.
And so, the legend of Honeyvale lived on, a testament to the enduring beauty of the balance between bees and orchards—a harmony that stood as a reminder of the delicate interdependence of all living things.

Spring is an important time for beekeepers, as it marks the start of the beekeeping season. During this time, bees are actively foraging for nectar and pollen, and the queen bee is busy laying eggs to build up the colony's population. It's important for beekeepers to monitor the health of their hives and provide them with the necessary supplies, such as food and water, to ensure their success. Additionally, beekeepers may need to perform routine maintenance tasks, such as cleaning and inspecting the hives, to keep the bees healthy and productive. With proper care and attention, beekeepers can help their colonies thrive throughout the spring and into the summer months.

​Florida Beekeeping Management for April featuring North, Central and South Florida.
Add your supers and make your splitsNorth Florida Beekeeping Management for April​1) Disease and queen problems should be remedied
2) Make splits/nucs – new queens and packages become available
3) Control Swarming
​4) Add supers, the primary nectar flow begins this month!Blooming Plants1. Sweet clover
2. Wild Blueberry
3. Haw
4. Fetterbush
5. Orange 
6. Spanish Needle
7. Galberry 
8. Dog hobble 
9. Dog Hobble 
10. Palmetto 
11. Mexican Clover
12. Blackberry 
13. Butter Mint 
14. Tupelo
15. Swamp Galberry 
Central Florida Beekeeping Management for April1) Disease and queen problems should be remedied
2) Make splits/nucs – new queens available
3) Control Swarming
​4) Add supers, the nectar flow began in late March ​Blooming Plants1. Sweet clover
2. Wild Blueberry
3. Haw
4. Fetterbush
5. Orange 
6. Spanish Needle
7. Galberry 
8. Dog hobble 
9. Mexican Clover
10. Butter Mint 
South Florida Beekeeping Management for April1) Disease and queen problems should be remedied
2) Make splits/nucs – new queens available
3) Control Swarming
4) Flow began in March – continue to add supers as necessary
​5) Orange blossom honey can be extracted (late Apr)​Blooming Plants1. Orange 
2. Spanish Needles
​3. Gallberry 
4. Mexican Clove 
5. Primerose Willow 
6. Smart Weed 
7. Mangroves 
8. Seagrapes 
​9. Buttonwood 

​1. Varroa populations peaked in Aug/Sept. Monitor varroa populations closely and treat if necessary. Treatment options include: Apiguard, ApilifeVAR, Mite Away II
2. Can treat colonies for Nosema disease using Fumigillin. Colonies may need as much as 4 gallons of medicated syrup to control Nosema cerana
3. Monitor for and control small hive beetles (options include Checkmite+, GardStar, Hood traps and West Beetle traps)
4. Feed colonies if light (colonies can starve!)
​5. Can treat for tracheal mites (mix vegetable oil and powdered sugar until doughy - not sticky to touch: place a pancake-sized patty on top bars of brood chamber) ​

October -December 
1. Spanish Needle
2. Mexican Clover
3. Primrose Willow
4. Spotted Mint
5. Golden Rod
6. Vine Aster
7. Smart Weed
8. Bush Aster
9. Wild 

​1. Varroa populations peaked in Aug/Sept. Monitor varroa populations closely and treat if necessary. Treatment options include: Apiguard, ApilifeVAR, Mite Away II
2. Can treat colonies for Nosema disease using Fumigillin. Colonies may need as much as 4 gallons of medicated syrup to control Nosema cerana
3. Monitor for and control small hive beetles (options include Checkmite+, GardStar, Hood traps and West Beetle traps)
4. Feed colonies if light (colonies can starve!)
​5. Can treat for tracheal mites (mix vegetable oil and powdered sugar until doughy (not sticky to touch): place a pancake-sized patty on top bars of brood chamber) 

October-December
1. Spanish Needle
2. Mexican Clover
3. Primrose Willow
4. Spotted Mint
5. Golden Rod
6. Vine Aster
7. Smart Weed
8. Bush Aster
* Brazilian Pepper blooms from September through October and is a significant Fall source of nectar for bees.

1. Varroa populations peaked in Aug/Sept. Monitor varroa populations closely and treat if necessary. Treatment options include: Apiguard, ApilifeVAR, Mite Away II
2. Can treat colonies for Nosema disease using Fumigillin. Colonies may need as much as 4 gallons of medicated syrup to control Nosema cerana
3. Monitor for and control small hive beetles (options include Checkmite+, GardStar, Hood traps and West Beetle traps)
4. Feed colonies if light (colonies can starve!)
5. Can treat for tracheal mites (mix vegetable oil and powdered sugar until doughy (not sticky to touch): place a pancake-sized patty on top bars of brood chamber) ​

​October-December
1. Spanish Needle
2. Mexican Clover
3. Primrose Willow
4. Smart Weed
5. Melaleuca   
6. Maple
7. Willow
* Brazilian Pepper blooms from September through October and is a significant Fall source of nectar for bees.