Before I launch into the topic of selecting a beautiful hive (or beautifying the ones you already have), I want to emphasize the fact that beekeeping doesn’t have to be difficult.

In fact, I personally think it’s better when you let the bees be bees. It’s certainly more fun!!

The multi-talented Bee Guru Michael Bush wrote a wonderful piece on The Tao of Beekeeping.  I don’t do everything he recommends, but I do a lot.

This past fall, I let my bees keep their honey.  I was busy writing my novel (not about bees) and it was easier for all of us.

Beekeeping can be beautiful, and it doesn’t have to make you crazy. It’s not supposed to.