Roxana Villa’s passion for the planet, its resources and gifts, is evident in her life as an artist — both in the visual and aromatic arenas. She creates whole, vital, organic perfumes with stories, which can be found in her Etsy shop, Illuminated Perfume. Her latest adventure and mission is to save the honey bee!
I was immersed, typing away on a blog post, when a gift from Aphrodite flew into my life. The golden package was a swarm of winged alchemists, honey bees, who arrived at our compost bin looking for a home. The week before I had watched the film trailer for Queen of the Sun, where French bee historian Yvon Achard says, “Beekeepers are chosen by bees.” Indeed!
Queen of The Sun Teaser Clip from Taggart Siegel on Vimeo
During art school I became obsessed with engravings found in vintage and antique books, particularly those having to do with alchemy and nature. The iconic image of the bee sang sweet songs to my hungry art spirit. In May 2004 my husband Greg and I were at our yearly attendance of the Bug Fair at the Natural History Museum. While strolling the aisles, drooling over gem-like bugs resembling miniature cars and African masks, Greg stopped at a booth and made a purchase. It was a small book titled Love in the Garden by Jean-Pierre Otte, filled with short stories of love and treachery among flowers and insects. The story that captured my heart was an enchanting tale of a little velvet-corseted bumblebee in “The Astonishing Deception of the Bee Orchid.” After reading this eight-page poetical fantasy I was quite keen on using the bee as part of the branding for my perfume company. The symbolism of the honey bee originates from their ability to work as an individual, and within a team, to create an intoxicating elixir from the sweet aroma of flowers.
I had a deep yearning to delve into beekeeping but knew nothing about it and really wasn’t sure how to begin. Then last August I read an article in the LA Times that led me to Kirk Anderson and his group, Backwards Beekeepers. Smitten with Kirk’s mission to save the bees, I attended a meeting at a member’s home. I was initiated into a new world — a new vocabulary — with words like “drone,” “caps,” “nuc box,” “bearding mode” and “trap-out,” just to mention a few. I was thrilled to finally be moving forward with manifesting another dream and learning a new skill set. Now, besides saving local oak trees, I’d be going on bee rescue missions!
The dream took some time to manifest, mainly because I couldn’t figure out where to put the hive. When the swarm arrived at the compost bin I took it as a sign and set the hive up there. Nature, in all her infinite wisdom, had intervened and put me on course. The location was perfect, as it was tucked away from people, received morning light and was under the eaves of the studio, which would provide a little extra protection from rain.
That first swarm departed, regrettably, which I’ve since learned is a common tragedy among beekeepers who practice organic, chemical-free beekeeping. The main premise of holistic beekeeping is to allow the bees to do what they do best. The group I belong to uses the word “backwards” because we rely on observation and natural practices, rather than pesticides and other chemicals, to keep our bees thriving. Like organic farming, holistic urban beekeeping is on the rise. Many believe that the small urban beekeeper will bring an end to colony collapse. Organic beekeeping encourages strong bees instead of strong pathogens, and feral and treatment-free bees will be able to thrive throughout the world.
I was devastated when my first swarm left, but a fellow member of my Backwards Beekeeping group said I could have her “bird house” bees if I came to get them. One of the more experienced members of the group, John Lyons, facilitated a “cut out” of the bees, which are now cheerfully residing in a periwinkle bee hive while my husband and I quickly immerse ourselves in the art of organic beekeeping. Luckily we have the Backwards Beekeeping blog and Yahoo group, along with our beekeeping bible, The Complete Idiot’s Guide to Beekeeping.
My bee guru, Kirk, explains that the bees’ problem, like most of nature, is man. There is quite a bit of misinformation being circulated in the media about the bees. The hysteria over “Africanized” bees is factually unsound, and the term itself is essentially useless in evaluating whether or not we can work with any particular hive of bees. I will do what I can in my little microcosm to affect the macrocosm. I invite you to do the same.
Our global hive needs some tending so that we may all evolve to “an illuminated state of floral consciousness.” As author Tom Robbins says,
“With an increased floral consciousness,
humans will begin to make full use of their
‘light brain’ and make more refined and sophisticated use of their ‘smell brain.’
The two are portentously linked.
In fact, they overlap to such an extent that they may be considered inseparable.”
— Tom Robbins, Jitterbug Perfume
Thanks to Roxana for sharing her inspiring story of holistic, organic beekeeping.
Do you know of any urban beekeepers? Tell us about them in the comments below!
157 comments
Sign in to add your ownCatchTheEye says:
What an incredible story!
2 years ago
munieca says:
Yayyy Roxana!!! Happy to see finally your article!! :D Congrats!!
2 years ago
VintageZen says:
So Great!
2 years ago
SpaGoddess says:
Fabulously, inspirational and gorgeous images. I'd love to take a walk in your garden my dear! Thanks for sharing Roxana!! xo Jessica
2 years ago
Hammermann says:
Thanks for sharing this incredible video! Is he 70 years old? I guess bees and honey are the fountain of youth.
2 years ago
hankietankie says:
this is one of the most interesting etsy articles i have ever read! XO thanks to you & the bees! XO
2 years ago
PassionFlowerVintage says:
Love it!!
2 years ago
LilaJo says:
Beeeeeee-utiful
2 years ago
spiralla says:
Interesting. Love the pictures!
2 years ago
poplovedesigns says:
There is something magical about bees... until they sting you that is... <3 Andrea
2 years ago
PipingHotPapers says:
Very cool!
2 years ago
elizabethwrenvintage says:
An incredibly interesting article- loved it!
2 years ago
ArgentaCollaborative says:
Beautiful; love the bee print!
2 years ago
PoleStar says:
Wonderful article Roxana!
2 years ago
bigapplevintage says:
hahahhaha- that guy is HILARIOUS! "they like, they like"
2 years ago
bigapplevintage says:
he definitely doesnt look 70 years old,nope
2 years ago
SimpleJoysPaperie says:
Roxana, what a delightful surprise to see an article by you! My husband and I have talked about beekeeping, but haven't taken the plunge yet... hopefully soon. Thank you for all the wonderful information! :)
2 years ago
baltica says:
I love the lockets! They are gorgeous!
2 years ago
LuRuUniques says:
Thank you for the interesting article.
2 years ago
LoveandDream says:
Congrats Roxana! This is really interesting and beautiful article! :)
2 years ago
teamzvonik says:
Wonderful article, Roxana! Congratulations!
2 years ago
MarKhed says:
oh so wonderful, Roxana! I have been completely and utterly terrified of bees since I was a little child but I know through wonderful people like you that bees should not be feared, but revered!
2 years ago
Xenotees says:
Incredible article and the main photo is GORGEOUS Roxana! Thank you for writing this- I can't wait to raise my own bees!
2 years ago
jamieribisi says:
BEEautiful story!
2 years ago
heartworksbylori says:
Hooray to my dear friend Roxana! Loved your article and even learned quite a bit by reading it :) I look forward to seeing the fruits of your labors with your beloved bees and hope to one day soon come and visit you in person so I can see them in all their glory! xo,~Lori
2 years ago
akcArt says:
Very interesting!
2 years ago
GreenRoomStudios says:
What an interesting and inspiring article! I LOVED the video, and the beekeeper in it is just too cute for words! And 70 years old?!?! Amazing! Thanks for sharing your thoughts and experiences Roxana!
2 years ago
SewnNatural says:
way to go! what a fabulous article, Roxana, congrats and thank you for sharing your inspiring story and work to help celebrate & protect bees :)
2 years ago
sarahknightdesign says:
The video is awesome- I was waiting for that beekeeper to get stung and it never happened... must have been the mustache!
2 years ago
UnaOdd says:
Bees are a treasure! I always buy our honey from a local beekeeper and want to build an orchard mason bee house (I always find them nesting in my bamboo plant stakes!). Yay for bees!
2 years ago
kchulita says:
You have truly inspired me! I myself made friends with an incredibly gentle swarm who appeared suddenly around my own compost heap 3 years ago, and have since dedicated my plantings to those in search of nectar. To my dismay, they are absent this year. I feel that now I have a certain obligation to find a way to lure another group into the vicinity - I will look into the resources you suggest. Thank You! Kimberlee
2 years ago
UnaOdd says:
Meant to add... thank you Roxana for a lovely article!
2 years ago
Slowshirts says:
He brushed his mustache on the bee's! "...and they like, they like."
2 years ago
UnaOdd says:
Wanted to add...thank you for a lovely article Roxana!
2 years ago
GollyBard says:
Such an inspiration! Fabulous article Roxana! I would love to make honey some day and be a backyard beekeeper!
2 years ago
heatherfuture says:
Wow, what loveliness! Super interesting read.
2 years ago
boutiqueseragun says:
Wonderful article
2 years ago
candacejean says:
What a neat story! My mom loves little bees and wants so badly to have her own hive and be a beekeeper. I remember in Humanities class some time ago I was sitting and drawing a lady with a floofy honeybee in her lap while my teacher went on about how they are mysteriously dying by the thousands and no one knows why. If all the bees die, people won't last long..
2 years ago
scarletbegonia11 says:
beautiful and fascinating story! Illuminated perfume is a lovely shop as well! I was surprised none of the perfumes or items were listed in the related items, definitely a shop to check out! http://www.etsy.com/shop/IlluminatedPerfume
2 years ago
treasurebooth says:
I really enjoyed this! Bees have always fascinated me :) I just watched David Attenborough's Life in the Undergrowth, which had a great little section on bees. Now I must check my local library for Love in the Garden. Good luck with your bees!
2 years ago
AZCreativeStudio says:
Wonderful story! Also, all the featured items are very interesting and have a certain charm..
2 years ago
Silverdays says:
well, That does it. I'm moving to the country and getting a herd of Bees
2 years ago
bylynnkrestel says:
lovely article! my father -in- law was a beekeeper! we so enjoyed the fruits of his - and their - labor!! it is truly an amazing process!!
2 years ago
glasfaden says:
Thank you for the wonderful read!
2 years ago
justCHARMING says:
Well done, Roxana! Thanks for the article and the inspiration!
2 years ago
soradesigns says:
wow, what a great article. thanks Roxana for including my bee necklace. Wen
2 years ago
MaryFosterCreative says:
Thanks for the wonderful article! When I am gardening and photographing my flowers, I am always fascinated by the intense activities of the bees as they gather pollen and nectar.
2 years ago
2TrickPony says:
honey is medicinal to those with hayfever allergies, and without bees, some of our flora and fauna would not exist. so wonderful to hear that Roxana and others are working to strengthen the hives. go organic! wasps are the ones that like me, don't know why. But they often come sit on my hands while I am working. They are pretty cute with their little feelers up close.
2 years ago
rafya says:
interesting! Thanks you!
2 years ago
rafya says:
interesting ! Thank you!
2 years ago
theredstone says:
What a beatiful inspiring article! it's so refreshing hearing about people who follow their hearts and passions and manage to be involved in something so wonderful.
2 years ago
dragonhouseofyuen says:
what a superb and enchanting story of love and passion! thanks so much Roxanna for sharing it!! I wish you the very best of your hive caring and hope that your swarm stays and prospers. This is one of the very best factual and environmentally aware and important (storque) articles I have read! thank you!
2 years ago
TheJoyofColor says:
WOW Roxana it'f fascinating, thank you so much for sharing your fantastic experience.
2 years ago
WhiteEarthStudio says:
I love the video. Thank you for such an inspiring article! I'm going to buy local honey next week at our farmers market.
2 years ago
MissBird says:
Oohh!! amazing Roxana!! Excellent article!! congrats! :)
2 years ago
KiraFerrer says:
Roxana you are an inspiration! Wonderful article about a fascinating subject!
2 years ago
paramountvintage says:
i love the bejeweled bee necklace! and it already sold. crongrats!
2 years ago
oatkacreekstudio says:
I just ordered some beautiful perfume from Roxana and I can't wait to get it. Although I make perfume myself, I couldn't resist her beautiful photos and products~~Roxana - thank you for sharing your wonderful story!
2 years ago
earlypinkelevator says:
I highly you pick up and read the book, BEES and their KEEPERS by Richard F. Trump, 165 pages; ISBN 0-8138-0214-8. This delightful book is all about beekeeping through the ages and environmental issues. It also goes into bee’s lifestyle, how they make honey and beeswax and the bee colony as a living organism. A very interesting book with some very revealing details! ~Rudy at EarlyPinkElevator and PostCardShack.com
2 years ago
earlypinkelevator says:
I highly recommend you pick up and read the book, BEES and their KEEPERS by Richard F. Trump, 165 pages; ISBN 0-8138-0214-8. This delightful book is all about beekeeping through the ages and environmental issues. It also goes into bee’s lifestyle, how they make honey and beeswax and the bee colony as a living organism. A very interesting book with some very revealing details!
2 years ago
ohbabydotcom says:
great photo's and article honey is so good for so many things :)
2 years ago
aptrick says:
i wish i had room for bees
2 years ago
BlueTerracotta says:
Wonderfully inspiring Roxana! I wish you much success with your bees!
2 years ago
westernartglass says:
I enjoy the imagery conjured from Roxana's text and Yvon's word and mustache play are wonderful--I like, eh? Organic+bees+holistic=orgasmic! I'm still wondering where feral marshmallows play into the scheme of things...
2 years ago
aroluna says:
Beautiful story Roxana!!! A delight! I love honey and love buzzing bees since I was a little girl ...this is an inspiring article!!!
2 years ago
NaturalAmber says:
What a great article!
2 years ago
LoverlyVintage says:
I have been thinking about keeping bees for some time now and your article has inspired me to delve a little deeper. Thank you for what you are doing and best of luck.
2 years ago
IndieKins says:
I have been involved to varying degrees since I was a little girl, and is a "heirloom hobby" for both my mother's and father's family. I have always loved it, especially when it is honey harvest time. This article encompasses how I feel about and try to practice beekeeping- loved it!
2 years ago
CsCharms says:
I love your article! I also liked the "brushing by mustache" in the film trailer! Do bees really like that? What fantastic little creatures they are!
2 years ago
JustBakin says:
This is wonderful!
2 years ago
FARStudios says:
Oh I love it! I've been to the library several times just for book son bees and bee keeping. I'm going to join up soon I hope. Long Live the Honey Bee!
2 years ago
decoratethediva says:
That was amazing... thank you! ~Renee
2 years ago
TheLittleRagamuffin says:
Thank you so much for this inspiring story! I gained much respect for the art of organic beekeeping while once volunteering at an organic bee farm, Aroha Organics located on the South Island of New Zealand. The head beekeeper Nath had such passion and love for his bees -it was impossible not to respect both bee and beekeeper as you watched them dance together. Now, years later as an organic farmer, my respect for bees has deepened. Thank you for spreading the love of organic beekeeping!
2 years ago
beesandme says:
Wow what a great article. wish I could do beekeeping but I live in a big city! Thanks for sharing your story :-)
2 years ago
positiveflow says:
Very interesting article. Enjoyed it alot.
2 years ago
ArtisticIntentions says:
Great article!
2 years ago
moonovermaize says:
This was very interesting to read. Thank you so much for sharing!
2 years ago
UsagiRabbit says:
Awesome article and I loved the video. I hope I have that much energy when I'm 70! Thanks for sharing. : )
2 years ago
designlab443 says:
that bee purse is so cute!
2 years ago
sharonclancydesigns says:
Interesting, informative and inspiring. Thanks for sharing your story!
2 years ago
voleurdebijoux says:
BEEautiful article!! lovelove
2 years ago
shabra99 says:
I love Roxana's work. Congrats and thanks for sharing your craft!
2 years ago
TheNightjar says:
thanks for the info- i will take the plunge one of these days too! ...right after i become a Falconer (dreams, dreams, and more dreams...)
2 years ago
lorenabr says:
Lovely article and great pieces:)
2 years ago
gretchenmist says:
how would we live without bees? so glad you are looking after them :)
2 years ago
Furiousdreams says:
Congrats to Roxana on a wonderful article! I plant varieties of small flowering plants that are intoxicating to bees; Monarda, Lavender and letting weeds flower are just a few tricks to lure bees to the garden. And no pesticides~ we need to protect our bees!
2 years ago
VelveteenHabbit says:
lovely amazing lives of bees--I hope we take better care of them!
2 years ago
julessabjewelry says:
Fantastic Roxana! I adore the little bee hotel! I want one for my garden.
2 years ago
BlueGremlin says:
Thanks for this! I am reading up on bees and plan on having them at my home within the nest year or so! thanks for the Tom Robbins quip...he is my fave of all time!!!!!!!!
2 years ago
CrystalRainJewelry says:
Oh, thank goodness for you and your story. I have been concerned about the bee's too. I am glad there is a group to help nourish them back. Thank you Roxana
2 years ago
retrolabs says:
wonderful article! my brother has bee hives and also rescues hives.
2 years ago
Mostlyeclectic says:
This video is awsome. You can clearly see the special relationship between the man and the bees and he's 70? What's his secret?
2 years ago
xtinavox says:
For more beekeeping inspiration, you might see the 4th book of the Georgics by the 1st century BCE Roman poet Virgil---it's definitely about 'pesticide-free' practices.
2 years ago
bijouXstudio says:
I'm always amazed by the many ways we enter this wide world of crafting. bees inspired you and the love of history and metal inspired me. thank you for sharing and your images are beautiful!
2 years ago
anadiazarte says:
Excellent and inspirational, I love bees!, congrats!
2 years ago
winkinpossum says:
Great article, great subject. My husband and I used to raise bees, a most magical and enchanting experience. Now my niece has taken the reigns, and is doing quite well with it. She has five hives going, all very healthy. Last year, (her second season), I talked her into entering some honey in the Tunbridge Worlds fair in Vermont. well she got third prize, vowing to win this year. She's so sweet. Thank you so much for sharing your experience, I can relate in so many ways. I'll be looking for that film.
2 years ago
LemonLollipop says:
to BEE or not to BEE My dad was a beekeeper. I loved when he smoked the hives (makes the bees more docile) and got his suit on. Loved the video of the Frenchman nearly nude, so smart, they don't get stuck in the clothes! The media does seem to "demonize" bees which leads people to thinking of bees as scary or aggressive. The honeybee is a rather peaceful worker devoted to perpetuating the hive community!
2 years ago
MaisyandAlice says:
I absolutely loved reading this Roxana, very inspiring!
2 years ago
GwensArtDreamscape says:
I just LOVED this post. Enjoyed it immensely!
2 years ago
Quirks says:
I enjoyed this article (and the lovely featured items) so very much. Thank you.
2 years ago
nowonder says:
beautiful and interesting article!
2 years ago
steinschmuckdesign says:
Roxana, this is a fantastic article and let us all know a bit more of you, thank you!!! My hubby wanted to keep Bees, but he was not chosen, well, up to now....:)
2 years ago
StarBags says:
Wonderful article, Roxana! That French Beekeeper is so funny btw :)
2 years ago
davisdesignsau says:
What a fabulous article and facinating life! Bees in your garden, is a reminder that the earth is still alive :-)
2 years ago
anakim says:
fabulous article, Roxana! thank you for sharing it with us.
2 years ago
LittleWrenPottery says:
I'd love to keep some bees but I live in the UK and don't really know where to start! I love bees we have regular fluffy visitors to our garden.
2 years ago
NiuTaller says:
Congrats in this great article Roxanna!!
2 years ago
twolefthands says:
Congratulations on such an interesting article Roxanna. I adore the Beekeeping Birdhouse!
2 years ago
KathyGDesigns says:
Thanks for the inspiring article! I enjoyed the video!
2 years ago
jewellerytreasures says:
very interesting article good luck with the beekeeping!
2 years ago
QuercusSilver says:
Lovely to read.I have always,always wanted to keep bees. One day.
2 years ago
needleyou says:
Viva le bees
2 years ago
BlackStar says:
Wonderful article! I used to keep bees in the 80's. My friends and I would go from house to house to harvest our honey.
2 years ago
jargonhead says:
My husband and I have often talked of keeping bees! And guess who else keeps them? Neil Gaiman :) http://journal.neilgaiman.com/2007/05/for-anyone-who-ever-wondered-what-i.html
2 years ago
twoknit says:
Congrats on a great article !!! Love honey !!!!
2 years ago
twoknit says:
Congrats on a great article !!! Love honey !!!!!
2 years ago
kathiroussel says:
roxana-- your bees are as lucky to have met you as you them. i feel a sense of relief knowing that there is a ripple effect growing of caring, loving people here on our earth who understand the importance of protecting and nurturing our wildlife in a responsible way. bees play such an intricate part in helping to maintain the balance of our fragile world-- thank you for spreading the love and caring for them so beautifully!! a wonderfully inspiring article! XO!
2 years ago
Sumikoshop says:
Wonderful article Roxana! watch the video makes me a little scared ......:)
2 years ago
bhangtiez says:
Great story! I can't wait to have a bee hive someday!
2 years ago
divinedepth says:
I am profoundly impressed with this simple line and the idea in it: "I will do what I can in my little microcosm to affect the macrocosm. I invite you to do the same." YES! I teach middle school in a very old building, and each spring we had bees arrive, which would have been fine except that they chose to create a hive in the eaves just outside the main exit to the playground. Too many kiddos combined with bees is a bad plan. In past years, the powers that be would call the exterminators to come spray them. Horrified by this turn of events, we found a local backyard beekeeper. Now, each year that the bees return, he simply comes out and gathers them up. To thank us for calling instead of killing, we are treated to annual jars of delicious local honey. All of us can do SOMEthing!
2 years ago
FancyBoutique says:
Amazing article! Thank you!
2 years ago
jodieflowers says:
Great story!
2 years ago
barrofsoap says:
wonderful story!
2 years ago
strawberryluna says:
Wow, Roxanna, thanks so much for this article. It's very inspiring and was a super read. Sometimes we think about doing a small bee hive in our yard too and you've re-ignited that spark. Cheers!
2 years ago
theBeadAerie says:
A wonderful article, Roxana! I was introduced to the mystery and romance of bees in the novel 'The Secret Life of Bees' by Sue Monk Kidd. They're intriguing little creatures, and I admire you and your husband for your dedication in rescuing them. Brava, well done! xoxo
2 years ago
GardenAngels says:
Great Food For Thought. Loved Jitterbug Perfume.
2 years ago
WrenWillow says:
this is truly spectacular - and such a pleasure to read. Thanks so much Roxana!
2 years ago
SweetmadeSoap says:
I love bees! I wish I could keep them but my husband is deathly allergic....Luckily for me one of his buddies at work is a great bee lover and keeper and provides me with all the beeswax and bee products I could possibly think of! Best wishes with your bees!
2 years ago
yoshibearstudio says:
You have to admire people that want to make the world a better place, and have an artistic vision to go along with that... kudos to her!!
2 years ago
masaoms says:
It's so amazing, congrats for such lovely article!! ;-P
2 years ago
mirasolfarm says:
Roxana, I see in you a kindred spirit! We, too, clumsily "keep" three hives of bees the old-fashioned way, trying to learn from them the art of thriving - as individuals, as a collective whole - on this small planet. Thanks so much for putting your great efforts into poetic words.
2 years ago
soap says:
Great article!
2 years ago
Furiousdreams says:
I loved the French beekeeper clip! I'm posting again because I forgot to add a (sub)urban beekeeper I know. There are many others in my region just outside Philly, this is just one. Two Gander Farm in Berks County, PA doesn't have a website, but you can read my notes about the workshop we held last year and see a video of him showing the hive. http://maysiesfarm.blogspot.com/2009/07/saita-presents-two-gander-farm-and.html
2 years ago
WickedDarling says:
Roxana, I love your shop and your spirit! Great article!
2 years ago
SheepishYarns says:
holistic beekeeping sounds like a truly inspired idear, i hope more people take it up as bees currently need all the lucky breaks they can get
2 years ago
bonjourfrenchie says:
I love that a theme is kept, keeps me around to see what's next!
2 years ago
bluebeeinatree says:
Oh I can't wait to see that film! Thanks for sharing your experiences with these beautiful creatures.
2 years ago
kloveart says:
GREAT PHOTO ROXANA!! xoxo
2 years ago
LovelyCat says:
WOW!!! LOVELY ARTICLE! :)
2 years ago
LovelyCat says:
GREAT SHOP! I HEART IT!
2 years ago
somsstudiosupplies says:
I am fascinated by bees and bee hives so thanks so much for this article! And great finds I must add!
2 years ago
PaperPhine says:
I've been thinking about becoming a beekeeper myself for a long while now or at least getting my own hive and put it in with a friend's hives... It's just amazing what these little creatures can do and of course having one's own honey doesn't sound that bad either. But living in the city at the moment I guess I have to postpone the idea till I (and my atelier) move somewhere greener...
2 years ago
masaoms says:
Amazing!!! Here is my blog it forward bees post! http://masaoms.blogspot.com/2010/07/bee-up.html ;-P
2 years ago
designMatter says:
Perfect:)) Congrats!
2 years ago
themarketintheglen says:
We put up a Mason Bee house this year without much luck, but I am excited to see such a renewed interest in all things bee-related. As a former environmental restorationist, I try to find every way I can to attract pollinators of all varieties. Growing native flowers are one of the best ways even the unambitious can help out. These little guys really are important not just on the larger scheme of an ecosystem, but even to modern farming practices. Thanks for this article!
2 years ago
JaniceCordeiro says:
All will be lost without the bees. NJ is making a huge effort to save the bees. No bee, no pollination, no food. Great and timely article.
2 years ago
michellepryorart says:
I'm a holistic/natural beekeeper in Texas and it's wonderful to see others who are lettting bees do what they've been doing for centuries. Thank you!!!
2 years ago
Korkalot says:
Beautiful. Bees are one of my favorite insects, and I love finding new bee-themed products on Etsy. Thank you for highlighting these wonderful finds!
2 years ago
DiamondAntiques says:
beautiful photos!!
2 years ago
bosscakes says:
Wonderfully written article with great media attached. Kudos!
2 years ago
dreamyvintage says:
so awesome!!
2 years ago
earthangelsarts says:
We are going to start some hives off this summer. A holistic course on bee keeping in March in Kent, England. What first amazed me about the queen, is how she mates! A SPIRAL flight into the air with the bees following her, and mates with as many as she can. The spiral is seen so much in nature, like the magical Golden Mean spiral. Something very sacred to life.
2 years ago
CaeruleusLady says:
Thank you for sharing such a beautiful and inspiring story. I found it very uplifting.
1 year ago
Yvona Nov from yvonanov says:
Few weeks ago I've read the book "The Shamanic Way of the Bee". It inspired me so much that I don't know where to start. Reading your story was very uplifting too. Beautiful written. Thank you.
1 year ago
Murphy Adams from MurphyAdamsStudio says:
Lovely, thanks for this beautifully written article. I read this after reading about the featured shop today. We have been urban beekeepers for years, with 12 hives around our very small house and many more throughout the neighborbood and beyond. My husband has started a side business putiing in hives for people and training them beekeeping basics. Everyday is filled with fascination!
210 days ago
Trisha Aquino says:
Simply beautiful! Thank you for sharing...
209 days ago
Jill M says:
I know this post is old, but this was very informative. I have been interested in natural bee keeping since hearing about colonies of bees disappearing. We removed some ugly overgrown shrubs from our yard, and then I remembered how much the bees had loved them, so we planted a nice herb garden in its place to bring the bees back. Our only problem now is the suffocating pesticides and herbicides many of our neighbors choose to use. Bees and their keeping are so fascinating. Thanks Roxanne!
98 days ago