Beekeeping with Friends!

Recently I visited the lavender farm and wedding venue of a family friend in Sequim to learn more about local backyard beekeeping.

Keith McCloskey, co-owner of Flatiron Fields, currently has 15 bee colonies on the property — all poised and ready for the lavender bloom. Right now the bees are feeding on other flowers in the area, but Keith says it will be an audible frenzy once lavender season kicks off next month. I can already imagine the sound!

We talked about the practical problem-solving methods beekeepers use to address challenges like:

• bee health

• moisture and pest issues

• weather and climate concerns

• honey collection and processing

As an innovation enthusiast and solution-finder, I loved digging into these discussions. In the post below, I touch on a few of the concepts we discussed — plus a few additional ideas I found in research. It’s fascinating how beekeeping solutions often come from experience in gardening, animal husbandry, herbal medicine, and beyond.

I’m excited to go back in a few weeks and see the fields in full bloom — and hear the bees buzzing everywhere. Maybe I’ll even get to put on a bee suit and help with some of the chores!