The Orchard Hive

Live from White House Apiary
Our bees are busiest during warm, dry daylight hours. If things look quiet, pop back later—the colony may simply be tucked up inside!

What are the bees doing?

Foraging workers leave the hive to collect nectar, pollen, water and plant resins. Returning bees may carry brightly coloured pollen baskets on their hind legs. You may also see guard bees checking arrivals, workers fanning their wings to ventilate the hive, and young bees making looping orientation flights as they learn the location of their home.

Most workers spend the first part of their lives carrying out duties inside the colony before becoming foragers. During the busiest part of the season, thousands of bees work together to care for brood, maintain the nest and store honey.