Beehives full of character

Bee hives can be useful, beautiful and fascinating. Honey is a more nutritious sweetener than refined sugar; apiary is a sustainable means of food production, well suited to cities; bee observation is a subject of great interest. Bee hives can be architectural, ornamental or gaily painted. The art of beekeeping (or apiculture) dates back to Ancient Egypt. The beehive is symbolic of industry and co-operation.