Swap space on larger property for honey harvest?

[Laura Hinds]

My husband and I used to keep bees in our yard in Colorado. After we moved here, we were afraid to keep bees in our suburban yard because of the high possibility of africanization, which is much more of a problem in a climate with a non-freezing winter. We still have all the bee equipment (bee suits, hives, etc) and would like to be able to keep bees, but somewhere where the bees won't be bothered by the people nor the people bothered by the bees. Does anyone have a large property (> an acre) that they would be willing to have 2 bee hives on? We would do the work of checking on the bees regularly and harvesting the honey, and in exchange the property owner would receive a share of the honey. An ideal location would be some sort of open desert or orchard/vineyard that doesn't have a lot of traffic on the property near the hives. The hives would definitely require shade, which could be provided by trees in the area or by shade cloth/tarp etc as well as a water source-which could be already on the property or added (such as a water barrel).

[Mari Ross]

I'd have to check with hubby but he has a storage yard over by the Glendale Airport. Not alot of traffic there and there is the stream water available for them. Alot of that property is empty, scrub trees available for blooms. I'll talk to him & see.

[Laura Hinds]

Thanks for the consideration. If you want to email me directly it's thesweetooth at hotmail.com (separated out so I don't get spam pickups).

[Jane Doyle]

Hi Laura, I have an acre property in Sunburst Farms in Glendale. I'd love to host the bees by my mini-orchard and gardens if you felt that it was suitable and that they wouldn't bother anyone. We have tons of bees on a "bee bush" in that area and the bees don't bother us. We also have a large tree by our chicken yard that they might like. Anyway, another place to consider. Also, I'm not sure how large Don Titmus's propery is, but he runs the "Bee Oasis" out in the East Valley.

[Laura Hinds]

Hi, Jane. I'm taking the Permaculture class this weekend so it would be difficult for me to get there this weekend. We would be interested in meeting with you and/or seeing the place if you're OK with that. The best time for us would be Sunday Oct 4 (husband works on Saturdays). As far as I know, Don has moved his honeybees to a farm at this point, but I'll be seeing him tomorrow and will get a chance to talk about it. Feel free to email me directly to the email above.

[Jane Doyle]

I e-mailed you, Laura. :o)

[Denise]

My husband and I kept bees in town 20 years ago until the domestic bees were taken over by the africanized bees. So sad, it was wonderful to have fresh honey and bees wax for quilting. They were so aggressive that we had to get rid of the hives. Haven't kept up w/beekeeping in Phx since then, but am guessing a larger lot would be a good idea.

[Tracy]

I only have about 1/3 of an acre but have tons of citrus trees, pine trees and shade. I'm in Mesa so we are surrounded by citrus. If you wanted to tuck one hive in our yard we might be able to take one. Sure would help our garden to pollinate better.

[Chris Byers]

What is the best place to order bee equipment in town if you know?