Welcome to theHive
Field notes, stories, and seasonal observations from Backyard Bees
The Hive is where the quieter side of Backyard Bees lives — field notes from the bee yard, reflections on place and season, stories from books, gardens, shoreline walks, and the everyday wonder of paying attention.
There’s always a story to tell. The best ones drift beyond my little hive—into the wide, wild, buzzing world. They’re stories of small wonders—things that surprise, inspire, and linger with the Queen Bee… and maybe with you, too.
The Magic of Scent
The summer run series at Heckscher State Park became a fragrant reminder of how honey bees use scent to find flowers, navigate their world, and remember where food can be found.
The NYS Parks Summer Run Series With a Beekeeper
Running shoes, state parks, and a beekeeper who can’t stop looking at plants. Run along with The Queen Bee.
Does Anyone Like Mosquitos?
Mosquitoes love me. Unfortunately, the feeling isn’t mutual. A beekeeper’s observations on mosquitoes and the surprising garden plant that inspired Buzz Off, our natural mosquito repellent.
The Beekeeper Noticed
It Started with a Citizen Science Project I guess it started with a citizen science project. Years ago, I was
The Little Bag Everyone Asks About
What started as a simple soap saver bag became one of the most talked-about items at the Backyard Bees table. Here’s why people love it.
A Real Farmers Market in Eisenhower Park
Looking for a real farmers market in Nassau County? A Long Island beekeeper shares what makes a farmers market worth visiting, from local food and honey to community, education, and meaningful conversations.
A Walk With a Beekeeper: Bees at the Beach
Follow a spring run through Welwyn Preserve, where a beekeeper discovers honeysuckle, Rugosa roses, black locust blossoms, and an unexpected gathering of honey bees along the shores of the Long Island Sound.
A Walk With a Beekeeper: Tulip Tree Nectar and Rain Delays
A rainy Memorial Day walk through the Tulip Tree Trail at the Nassau County Museum of Art leads to reflections on black locust nectar, tulip poplars, and the bees waiting for warmer days to return.
A Walk With A Beekeeper: Pollinators and Coastal Public Spaces
A cool gray walk along Shore Road became a meditation on shoreline landscapes, pollinators, public space, and what it means to care for the places we share.
Made For Men…or Not?
Ten years into Backyard Bees markets, I still question how to set up the table. Not because of the soaps.Because
The Queen Bee’s Favorite Flower Seeds for Bee‑ginner Gardeners
Discover bee-friendly seeds that are easy to grow and loved by pollinators. The Queen Bee shares her favorite beginner-friendly flower seeds for growing with confidence.