Introduction to Beekeeping
March 10, 9:00-12:30
For more information about location, cost, registration, please check our 2012 Workshop Schedule then contact us to reserve your spot! info@spikenardfarm.org

This workshop is for all who want to begin keeping honeybees. We will examine different hive shapes, giving pros and cons to Langstroth, Top-Bar and Warrė hives to ease the decision with which you want to start. Basic information about cost, tools, protective gear, timing, positioning of the hive, introduction of package bees, literature, where to get bees and more will be given.

Photo courtesy of Mark Mosrie/Out Here Magazine

Toward Saving the Honeybee
April 28, 9:00-4:00
For more information about location, cost, registration, please check our 2012 Workshop Schedule then contact us to reserve your spot! info@spikenardfarm.org

In this class you will gain a deeper insight into the need to change our basic paradigm in beekeeping. The resulting sustainable, biodynamic practices will come out of an understanding as to how the various naturally occurring processes and phenomena in the colony need to be respected and strengthened if we want to let the honeybees regain their health and vitality.

You will look at the distinct organs of this super-organism, the workers, drones, queen and the wax will give us direction in supporting the life-forces of the entire hive.

You will also learn the difference between naturally and artificially raised queens, between natural honeycomb and wax/plastic foundations, between honey and sugar/corn syrup, between swarming and its suppression, between right and wrong time of making splits. Finally, we will cover topics of mite monitoring and possible treatments, biodynamic measures and medicinal teas. Part of the workshop will take place at the hives.

Expanding the Apiary Naturally
May 26, 9:00-4:00
For more information about location, cost, registration, please check our 2012 Workshop Schedule then contact us to reserve your spot! info@spikenardfarm.org

This workshop will focus on conditions for encouraging swarming, swarm catching and hiving, management, and basically expanding the apiary with naturally raised queens. We will also cover the topic of making an artificial swarm if swarming cannot be permitted. The care of swarms and splits throughout spring and summer will round out the day. Lately we were lucky to have a swarm on the day of the workshop for the real experience! Part of the day will be at the sanctuary.

Honey Harvest, Mite Treatments, Winter Preparation
August 18, 9:00-4:00
For more information about location, cost, registration, please check our 2012 Workshop Schedule then contact us to reserve your spot! info@spikenardfarm.org

Not only the above-mentioned topics, but a review of colony development over the summer months will be part of this workshop. Much emphasis will be given to individual questions or problems encountered since spring. We will look ahead into the winter and early spring months and will include beneficial plantings for fall and following spring. The practical part of the workshop will be at the sanctuary.

- Lectures -
Lectures by Gunther Hauk on themes related to Beekeeping, Biodynamics or Waldorf Education can be arranged by phone or email.

We are booked for this year , but can take requests for 2012 , preferable locally ( within ~ 3 hours drive).

info@spikenardfarm.org or 540-745-2153