A Walk Through the Autumn Apiary
If you’ve ever cracked open a jar of our Wildflower Honey, you’ve tasted a literal snapshot of our beautiful property here in Temple, New Hampshire. Lately, I've been spending my days walking the grounds between our stream, the two ponds, and the greenhouse, watching the landscape shift into fall. I wanted to take you along on one of these walks to show you exactly what life looks like at the bee house right now.
The Late-Season Lifeline
By midday, the apiary is vibrating with energy. Right now, the bees are working frantically to gather the very last nectar and pollen of the season.
If you look closely at our gardens, you’ll see our Perennial Mums, Asters, and Mountain Mint covered in activity. The Bluebeard, Agastache, Goldenrod, Autumn Sedum, and Montauk Daisies are in full bloom, serving as a critical late-season lifeline. It’s a beautiful, busy sight—not just for our foraging bees who are storing up resources, but also for the migrating butterflies passing through Temple on their long journeys.
Every single one of these flowers contributes to the complex, rich flavor profile of the raw honey we harvest.
Checking the Hives
When I go out to check on the colonies, I prefer a gentle, quiet approach. I seldom use a smoker unless absolutely necessary. Instead, I move slowly and mindfully, working with the bees' natural rhythms rather than disrupting them.
Right now, my main job during these peaceful inspections is checking the health and weight of each hive. I’m looking to see how much honey the colony has successfully stored away. It's a bittersweet time of year, as these final inspections are all about ensuring these hard-working ladies have exactly what they need to stay warm and safe during the long New England winter ahead.
Back in the Honey Room
Whether I'm infusing a fresh batch of Cranberry Sage honey or hand-labeling our classic Raw Wildflower jars, this is where the magic comes together.
Every jar represents millions of flowers visited right here along our stream and hillsides. Thank you all for supporting this journey and bringing a little bit of our autumn landscape into your homes!
