TREE BUCKETS
Sap buckets are already hanging on local maple trees and that's a good sign that someone else thinks Spring in on the way.
I am not alone.
The appearance of the shiny buckets in the grove of maple trees is ,to me, a sure indication that winter is on the wane and spring lies just ahead. With honey makers from the Great Lakes area on down - from Maine to the southern tip of mapledom – it is the generally accepted word Because this winter has been a severe one we are to be blessed with a bountiful crop of honey. It works out that way and, while I don't know how the scientific citizenry might consider it to be, the idea is a pleasant one. It is to be encouraged.
There some some "iffy" words in there, however, just in case it does not work out the way it is supposed to. Severe winter - lots of spring blossom and a good honey crop. Logic.
Either Vermont or Maine will generally be the top honey producing states with New York flowing in third, but it is hard to beat honey from the flowers of this Shenandoah Valley of Virginia area. The honey-making festivities of the Highland County area around the community of Monterey each year draw tourists - well, like bees to fabulous flowers!
Each year the grove which surrounds the colonial Augusta Stone Presbyterian Church - 1740 'till now, and still going strong - at Fort Defiance, Virginia , sprouts new glistening buckets and it is these I see as my harbingers of Spring as I visit the old church. A young man in the community puts them out each year - "lays them out" the honey people say, and the honey-money goes to support the Ft. Defiance High School Band program.
The buckets usually appear when weather forecasts indicate temperatures will go above forty degrees. I am pleased to hear February 25th quoted as the day that happens because is my birthday. Actually, they say the 22nd, but I ignore such claims. Trees do better if they have plenty of water, too . Heavy snow is best. A sudden cold snap can cause trouble and a few days above fifty degrees can work havoc, as well. There is an old saying which varies quite often but ends up as:”Don't count your honey "till it's in the jug”.
Like almost everything about the farm, it's a risky business. And, the risk starts long before the bees come out of their hives and get busy as good bees are supposed to be.
A.L.M. February 20, 2003 [ 443wds]
