I've had the weeds under control in the past, but even if I don't have them going into seeds, the seeds will find their way in somehow from neighbors. My late goat ate all she could, til I ran out in her pen, but I didn't have her around the bees. I was afraid she would try to jump on the hives. The 2 goats I have now are going around them and I think they are keeping things trimmed, but doing little to flatten the dead weeds. Its encouraging to see an improvement everyday. I go to church in 4 hours, so I won't do much today.
The bee area is about 90 X 80 feet and I've had gardens in there in the past. I'd want to get it eventually to be full of raised beds. Its my best shot. I have all the tractor tires I can possibly use from my brother and place of employment.......just got to trim the part around the rim to make room. then all I'd have to do is figure ground cover or walkways from bed to bed. A traditional garden wouldn't work here. I need to be ready for a quick 10 inches of water and I've seen rows go under real fast.
One little problem that I haven't solved as of yet, but its been spoken of many times is what to do with the 'pear tree.' I bought a Barlett Pear from Gurney's about 13 years ago. It makes lots of flowers and now I see the pears. They are the size of acorns. I really think they sent me an ornamental pear. Contacted them, but they gave me this handout about trouble shooting all the reasons why a pear tree might not make fruit. I'm surrounded by people that have pear trees all over town, so its not a problem of cross pollenation, plus with 4 hives in my yard, I'm sure I get some help. No......they sent me the wrong thing. That tree is nice and gives shade and all that, but otherwise, is useless to me. I think it has to go. And its right in that 80 X 90 area. Wonder what kinda firewood it will give me. All I know is I'm not cutting on it if its in flower or unless its real cold, because I don't feel like suiting up and pissing off a few million bees.
Well I studied the McMurray catalog and I guess I'll order a few embdens and I'm thinking about the giant pekings....they supposed to get 10 to 18 percent bigger than the pekings. But I must confess that I haven't told DH about the taste recommendations from ya'll on the muscovies. He'd leave me alone with it because the poultry projects are pretty much mine. I wouldn't mind finding out about the taste, but I have no need for a broody duck; plus I'd have to make sure if I get both breeds that I keep them separated........no mules allowed. Oh, I can eat them, but I'm worried I won't recognize the mules from the pures.
Well, I just got home, drank 2 cups and I feel good, so I'm going play a little while. See ya'll.
