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.

over crowded seedlings from the Grow With Me project

Rabbit Candy and More: The Grow With Me Project Progress

I encouraged everyone to grow with me this spring. What I didn't expect was that I'd be the one breaking all the rules. From squirrel disasters to rabbit candy, here's a June update from my own patio garden.
Morning set-up of tents at Eisenhower Park Farmers Market

You Are What You Make

A quieter market morning became a reminder that farmers markets aren't just about buying local—they're about asking questions, sharing knowledge, and meeting the people behind what they make.
Hand made soaps: The Mariner Salt Bar filling a bucket

Salt Water Cures Everything (Or So My Mother Said)

What began with my mother's favorite saying—"Salt water cures everything"—eventually inspired one of Backyard Bees' best-selling soaps. Discover the story behind The Mariner, a gentle salt brine soap inspired by family memories, traditional soapmaking, and the simple beauty of caring for skin naturally.
Do bees fly in the rain? Honey bees flying around a backyard hive before a summer storm.

Do Bees Fly in the Rain?

Do bees fly in the rain? When a summer 5K was canceled due to storms, I looked to my backyard honey bees for the answer and set out on a rainy run of my own.
Lettuce and fresh greens from Two Brothers Farm came home with me after Opening Day at the Eisenhower Park Farmers Market.

Eisenhower Park Farmers Market: Opening Day in the Wind

Opening day at the Eisenhower Park Farmers Market brought blue skies, strong winds, spring honey, fresh greens, and a reminder that some things simply need shade.

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