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.

New This Week

Explore The Hive

Recurring series and collections—follow a trail, discover a favorite, or simply wander through The Hive.

Walk with a Beekeeper

Looking beyond the hive to the parks, trails, and neighborhoods that help pollinators thrive.

Farmers Market Report

Seasonal notes from the market—what’s growing, who’s there, and what’s happening each week.

Market Conversations

Questions, stories, and unexpected moments from behind the Backyard Bees market table.

The Beekeeper Noticed

Small observations from the bee yard, the garden, and everyday life that grow into bigger stories.

Beehind the Scenes

The story behind each product—from first idea to ingredients, experiments, and finished recipe.

Recent Stories From The Hive

The newest stories from the bee yard, gardens, markets, books, and beyond.

a choseup of a grouping of cheery yellow goldenrod plants

The Curious Case of Goldenrod Honey

Honey that set too soon, a landscape full of golden flowers, and a jar everyone wanted. Follow a beekeeper’s clues in The Curious Case of Goldenrod Honey.
Fallen tree sections and scattered honeycomb on a wooded hillside before a bee rescue.

A Hillside Bee Rescue: A Hail Mary in October

A Saturday farmers market led to an unexpected bee rescue on a steep hillside. With their tree cut down and cold weather closing in, could this scattered colony get another chance?
A foot soak basin of warm water on a wooden floor with two bare feet

The Art of a Foot Soak: Ten Minutes for You

I learned the art of a foot soak at my father’s feet. A personal story, a simple ritual, and an invitation to give yourself ten minutes of care.
Honey loofah soap on a folded towel as part of self-care rituals

The “U” in Ritual

A little lipstick, a honey loofah, and a word I’ve come to love. An introduction to self-care rituals and the small things that remind us we matter.
Faded Flowers kraft bags with assorted imperfect handmade soaps on outdoor metal plant stand.

Faded Flowers

Fewer tents, the last dahlias, and fresh cilantro in the air. A quiet Saturday reminded me how much an October farmers market still has to offer.

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Field notes, seasonal stories, and the occasional surprise—delivered to your inbox,  usually once a week.