This site serves to document the design process of a small residential apiary in rural North Carolina. The goal of this site is to provide insights into the design process of a small garden, regardless of location or purpose.
The apiary will be placed in USDA Zone 8a. Use the USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map to determine your zone.
Design Goals
To produce guidelines for building an apiary meeting these requirements:
- Have optimal locations for at least 2 traditional beehives.
- Be host to attractive flowering plants from early spring to late fall.
- Once established, must be maintainable with the minimum commitment of 2 hours per week during the growing season.
Additionally, it would be nice to have:
- Food production from fruit trees, berries, vegetables, and herbs
- A beautifully inviting space for entertaining small groups
Critical Questions
- In USDA Zone 8a, what attractive flowering plants are available?
- Of the potential plants, which are considered perrenial?
- How can trees be utilized to produce shady areas, foraging potential, and food?
- How can hives be placed in optimal locations for maximum productivity, while also avoiding disturbing social areas?
- How can the need to import mulch and fertilizers be minimized?
Getting Started
To get started, we need to assess the conditions of the site. A great first step is just to consider the soil conditions of the property.