Have now painted hive 1 (lovely blue coulor, which by coincidence matches our shutters... ).
Whilst preparing, washing and painting it, this hive was getting a lot of attention from some of the other hives' bees - which is a bit of a worry as any empty bee equipment tends to be stocked next to our front door.
I suppose it must still smell good to bees - even I could smell a sweet aroma coming from it.
As this was the case, and we are coming into swarm season, decided to set it up as an empty potential swarm trap - just needs a little sign "vacant - apply within" .
So here we have the row - blue hive currently un-occupied, next the hive with the recent Buckfast arrivals, and finally next to the apple tree the hive with local Black bees. Think all our fruit trees are just about to burst into blossom, so, in estate agent speak "a truly desirable residence" !