Have recently had access to a bale of hemp, which smokes with the most pleasing smell and no eye watering. Person who had the bale purchased it from a horse product suppliers.
got an incredibley placid queen from hivemaker (find him on the forum), end of June. Girls doing really well and am very happy to have joined the beekeeping comunity.
Had my girls for 4 weeks now and they are amazing! best buy - am totally in awe of their tolerance of me as I learn how to inspect and just what to look for. Hope you enjoy yours as much - what lucky people we are to know bees!