I've set aside the area for the apiary and will be installing the first of the bees this weekend. The problem is that this area is not fenced in and is visible from the neighbor's house and the road. It likely is not a problem, but I'd prefer to have them out of sight.
So I think I would like to put a hedge in place to shield the hives from sight. I will likely keep it trimmed to 5' or so. I'd like for it to bloom early to give the bees a head start on the season. The downhill plants will also act as a windbreak from the winter winds, so evergreens may be the choice. I prefer to have plants that produce edible fruit, but not a requirement and probably not an option to get a good windbreak.
You could consider a Washington hawthorn hedge. Untrimmed, hawthorns get about 25'. They have 2 inch thorns that can act a s a security hedge. Bees work the hawthorns well in our area. Just someonething to consider.
Boxwood is a great evergreen hedge plant, but I not quite sure how it does in your zone. It blooms early in the spring and honeybees really get after it for early pollen. There are several varieties. Here in central IL, I handprune it to try to keep it at 4-4.5 feet. Really dense. Clippings are good for winter greenery. Some varieties grow taller than others. Only drawback is that sometimes it has a tomcat "spray" odor. Not good if it is under your sitting room window.
Another option to consider is Hollies. Although not a very early bloomer, bees do like the hollies. Since they are "evergreens", they would have color year round. Many varieties to choose from. Something more to consider.
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