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

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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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.

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.
close up of hops on the vine

Beer, Bees, and Me

From my mother’s beer curlers to handmade soaps and a local honey ale, hops and honey keep finding their way into my story. Next stop: Garvies Point Brewery.
a crocheted honey bee greets people at the Backyard Bees farmers market table

It Started with Hello

At a quiet farmers market, a few unexpected conversations revealed just how far a simple "hello" can lead.
saving dahlia seeds, seen here next to a display of Backyard Bees at the CCE farmers market

Saving Dahlia Seeds: Something to Save for Spring

A clay pot filled with free seeds, a bouquet of dahlias and one simple question: Can you save dahlia seeds? The answer led from the farmers market to Planting Fields—and to the excitement of growing something entirely new.
Turmeric honey and other Backyard Bees products displayed at the farmers market

Turmeric Honey: A Long Time Coming

What happens when folk wisdom, science, family tradition, and a beekeeper's kitchen all meet in one little jar?

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