@kristiedegaris we were very lucky. We picked up a swarm in late July and housed them in a new "National" hive.
At the end of September we took 70 pounds of the most beautiful honey. We fed them back on honey over winter, which we always did after that.
They were on Himalayan Balsam, less than a mile from home. The were the most docile bees we ever had. I've looked after some real hooligan bees though, but not mine. They used to chase me as soon as I arrived, never mind opening the hive! 😳