Snow is covering the ground here, and the bees are all clustered around their respective queens keeping them warm for the winter.  Just before the really cold weather hit, Doug installed quilt boxes and inserted winter patties into each hive.  Quilt boxes contain burlap and wood shavings that can absorb condensation.  Moisture is a killer of bees in the winter.  The bee cluster stays about 80 degrees F, and moisture can condense on the inner cover of the hive.  The quilt box catches the condensation instead of letting it drip back onto the bees.  Most of our bees have lots of stored honey, but the winter patties are an extra source of nutrition just in case they need it.  Since the bees are all snuggled in for the winter, I decided to write about what I have been doing to transform my flower garden into a monarch waystation. Continue reading →