Every English garden has its bees, and the British know how to treat their hives like royalty. All over the UK, individuals and companies are installing bee hives in gardens and on roof tops.

Her Majesty, the Queen has four hives in the gardens of Buckingham Palace and two hives on the roof of Clarence House.

Kew Gardens has an educational bee habitat as part of a campaign to raise awareness of the need for a more bee-friendly planet.

In London alone, there are over 2,500 hives. Many are at private homes, but one can find hives at The Tate Modern Gallery, The Bank of England, and Fortnum & Mason, the venerable purveyor of luxury goods in Picadilly.

Fortnum’s hives at the Chelsea Flower Show

Fortnum’s hives are an especially good example of just how beautiful urban beekeeping can be!

Bee hives on the roof of Fortnum & Mason

Upcoming posts: How to create your own beautiful bee hive, and How to select your perfect bee.