The urban beekeeping trend has been steadily rising – at least among those with backyards or rooftop access (and accommodating landlords). The decrease in bee numbers has presumably contributed to this, as well as the growing popularity of organic foods. Beekeeping, although clearly not without its hazards, involves less work than vegetable gardens, and less noisy mess than chickens. The perks include having ready access to your own tasty raw honey, and fresh beeswax and propolis. And your honey might taste like candy.
Now, if your only reservation about taking up beekeeping in your home was the way that hulking ugly wooden box would clash with your modern décor, Phillips has now solved your problem. Or will, at some point. As part of its Microbial Home Probe, Phillips has unveiled its new urban beehive concept. Consisting of two sleekly contoured pieces, the beehive can be mounted onto a window, with the white scoop outside holding a flowerpot, and the glass ovoid with the frames for the honeycombs inside, for your viewing pleasure. There is also a smoke activator which is designed so that you can release the bees outside, without having to come into contact with any actual bees.
Phillips has created a pretty sweet design for those urbanites looking to add honey to their rooftop or balcony gardens.
Cool!