In days gone by, colonial housewives knew that the bees loved the fragrant blossoms of the herbs growing in their garden. They also loved the honey the bees produced!
A bee skep with a hole cut in the bottom of the handwoven skep in which a strong branch was placed inside, lured the bees to set up housekeeping. Shortly afterward, the bees produced a comb full of wonderful honey
Although used only as decoration in gardens today, there’s still nothing as charming as seeing a bee skep nestled among the sweet smelling herbs.
This is our first year have real bee hives in our garden and it’s been a real joy to see which herbs the bees enjoy.
At the moment, they are loving our Mountain mint and porcelain berry vine (Ampelopsis glandulosa). I love hearing the constant hum of busy bees knowing that we will reap the benefit of their hard work.
I have also noted in my journal that they love the Six Hills Giant mint, chives, anise hyssop, hyssop, sage, and thyme.
I found this herbal honey recipe in the wonderful book called The Pleasure of Herbs: A Month-by-Month Guide to Growing, Using, and Enjoying Herbs
Herbal Honey Recipe
Place a fresh, washed leaf of rose geranium in a small, sterilized, glass jar. Warm the honey, and pour it over the herb leaf. Cap the jar tightly, and allow about 24 hours for the flavor of the herb to permeate the honey. Serve as a sweetener for tea.
If you would like to learn more about growing and using herbs, please visit our website for a free download of my most recent book entitled Herbs for Your Health: How to Grow and Use Them.
Bees love our anise hyssop
Here is our bee skep with a wonderful skep house a friend made for us
Our own bee hives
