Mud wasp larva in the hive. There are two hives on the property, but one didn't make it through the winter. Terry, a local keeper, manages the hives. We took the dead hive apart and burnt the boxes and frames and found a couple of these wasp nests inside. He brought over a new hive and has been feeding them them sweetened water to get them going. So far they look like they are adapting, and the other hive has been livening up with the spring blossoming in the fruit trees.
One of the many red and black ant colonies on the farm. We let them be, although they pack a stiff bite. Last week we moved the chicken coop to near one and wondered if the chickens would demolish the hill or if the ants would attack the chickens. Our bets were on the chickens, enough at least to see what happened. Within an hour the ant hill was gone.
Snap peas last month
Kelda is teaching a 8-week permaculture course here on Vashon and has been our regular guest. Its been nice to talk about plants, design, and technologies.
The beginnings of the potato crop
Honey bees waking up after the long winter huddle.
Jen and Rudi preparing the harvest.
Mud wasp larva in the hive. There are two hives on the property, but one didn't make it through the winter. Terry, a local keeper, manages the hives. We took the dead hive apart and burnt the boxes and frames and found a couple of these wasp nests inside. He brought over a new hive and has been feeding them them sweetened water to get them going. So far they look like they are adapting, and the other hive has been livening up with the spring blossoming in the fruit trees.
One of the many red and black ant colonies on the farm. We let them be, although they pack a stiff bite. Last week we moved the chicken coop to near one and wondered if the chickens would demolish the hill or if the ants would attack the chickens. Our bets were on the chickens, enough at least to see what happened. Within an hour the ant hill was gone.
Snap peas last month
Kelda is teaching a 8-week permaculture course here on Vashon and has been our regular guest. Its been nice to talk about plants, design, and technologies. 
The beginnings of the potato crop
Honey bees waking up after the long winter huddle.
Jen and Rudi preparing the harvest. 
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