balance & equalize …… and the flow is on

June 2005 newsletter

balance & equalize …… and the flow is on
Lake Champlain Valley, Vermont
June 21, 2005

Today we celebrate the Summer Solstice, the longest day of the year. At this time, the queen bee will lay the most eggs of the season, this being determined by the number of sunny minutes of the day. Her cycle is in tune with nature and the coming honey flow, as these offspring will become the workers in the season ahead.

After a week of gentle and sometimes heavy rains, the edge has been taken off of the drought, and the sun has returned to our bee yards and the honey house. The flowering nectar plants are abundant now, and their colors are everywhere – the legumes are in bloom, black locust trees dripping with white flowers, purple and hairy vetch, yellow birdsfoot trefoil, pink and white alsike clover, and red clover. This is the earliest crop that we have seen in years.

We have been visiting each bee hive to build bear fences, checking for queens and “balancing and equalizing”, which involves taking frames of brood (young bees before they are adults) from hives that are so strong that they would swarm if they did not have their population cut back (and then not make honey). These frames are given to nucs- new, young colonies that have such a small population (that in their bolstered family strength do make honey this season.) This is the synergy of our work with bees and people, who all contribute different gifts to many common goals.

Because of the time that Sam and Tim have spent with the bees, building them back up in South Carolina and now working with them in the North, they are healthy and strong. The primary support of organic beekeeping are mite resistant bees from Russia and these are being introduced into our colonies as readily as possible.

Sam Comfort and a promising frame of bees
from Russian stock, Crow’s Nest yard

Sam noted this morning at the honey house:
It’s no secret that at Honey Gardens we love bees and want to see them thrive in the North Country like they did before mites and diseases became tremendous stresses. Russian bees love the short intense season that Vermont offers we applaud their winter hardiness, fast buildup, hygienic behavior, and gentleness. They fly at lower temperatures, and above all, they love to make honey. These combined strengths allow us to continue keeping bees without chemical treatments. With each select generation, the bees’ natural defenses are strengthening.

The past week’s rain has put energy into the soil to make the honey flow possible. We have been suspiciously eyeing the basswood trees and wondering if this year the fragile, nectar-rich flowers will not be damaged by thunderstorms. They have not bloomed yet, and as the June weather bounds into hot days, the bees and beekeepers are ready.

We are now shipping the first of the new crop of 2005 honey, raw orange blossom honey from our friends’ bees, made two months ago in Florida, and extracted and bottled in honey house in Vermont. This is a light, delightful raw honey that is very special and is the only raw orange blossom honey that we have ever seen.

a new crop of family and hay on the farm
of the first bee yard 40 years ago.

Vermont elderberry project Lewis Hill talks about elderberry @ the Ferrisburgh honey house 10 AM Saturday July 16 & releases two cultivars from his stock. With elderberry, you may grow plant medicine for your family & friends, feed wildlife, and stabilize the banks of streams from erosion. for info click here

We continue to see how the sum is greater than all of the parts in so much of what we do. Thank you all for your interest in and support of our bees, their work, and plant medicine.

the most recent action above the Blue Savannah Swamp

April 2005 newsletter

the most recent action above the Blue Savannah Swamp
Spring 2005, Marion County, South Carolina

In the late 1700’s Francis Marion, known as the legendary “Swamp Fox” of the Revolutionary War, came to this field high above the Blue Savannah Swamp. He and his troops surprised a much larger contingent of British solders, fired on them with their limited rounds, and then slipped back into the protection of the swamps along the Pee Dee River.

Sam Comfort self portrait

In December 2004, with our own idealistic mission to save the bees, against a formidable force, we spent weeks gathering the bees from the snowy lands of the North and brought truckloads 950 miles South to this same field and others along the Pee Dee River. Their future through the winter in the North was in question, weak from environmental stresses that has allowed mites and viruses to become more expressive. With smaller family populations, more colonies survive in the warmer days and nights of South Carolina, and with 60 days of additional Spring here, their families could then rebuild.

A miracle is now underway in these fields. As a phoenix in the glorious Spring days along the swamps of flowering tupelo trees and honeysuckle, Sam Comfort, with the help of Tim McFarline, are now orchestrating the revival of about 350 colonies of bees toward 1,000. Last week Sam wrote:

The mist is rising at our Blue Savannah beeyard, where I found myself early this morning moving in yesterday’s splits that will receive a queen cell today. With the approaching dawn I can begin to make out the slender oldfield toadflax flowers and the many variations of cress in this secluded, historic field. I know the bees have been drawing a lot of nectar from these fields lately, as well as the galberry and huckleberry lining this field. The swamp to the east is home to the tupelo trees, and when they bloom, the nectar will intensify even more.

The Honey Gardens’ bees are rebounding from coping with the varroa mite, and we are strictly following an organic treatment plan. We moved the hives south for a milder winter and an early escapade on this fabulous flower world. By raising our own queens and promoting mite resistant behavior, we can continue to avoid the chemical treatments that many beekeepers have caused bees to become dependent on. The mites have quickly grown resistant to chemical medicines. None of that is conducive to the Honey Gardens vision. A queen-rearing program supports our sustainability and the future of bees in Vermont. Reflecting on our important work and thinking of the good times to come this season, I pause and listen to the hum of the hives busily evaporating nectar into honey. I am so excited to once again be with the Honey Gardens team and take part in promoting the healthy future of our bees. Can’t wait to see those barn swallows out back in Vermont do their thing again!

Anicet, Ricky and Simon raising queens in the
High Laurentian Mountains, Northern Quebec

This work is supported by an international effort to save our bees. Many of our survivors have come from the bees raised by Anicet Desrocher’s organic bee farm in the High Laurentian Mountains of Northern Quebec. He has been raising queen bees that originally came from Russia, where bees have been found to be hygienic they clean the mites off of each other and kick them out of the hive. These beekeepers do not use chemicals. Mite-resistant queens have also come from Rick Shubert in California and other northern beekeepers. In his Amish carpentry shop, Dan Miller makes bee equipment without the aid of electricity. At the honeyhouse in Vermont, there is a dedicated crew putting equipment together for the bees in South Carolina. Our bees will return North in May, in time to visit the dandelion and apple flowers, and we look forward to their coming home, with Sam.

When you are in the Champlain Valley of Northern Vermont, it would be good to see you at our new honeyhouse. At 5335 Vermont Route 7, we are a few miles north of Vergennes and ½ hour south Burlington, close to and on the West/Lake Champlain side of Route 7. There is a retail shop here. After school our most honorable crew builds bee equipment, lemon yellow beeswax candles are made, and we are having some classes. Please call ahead to be sure we are here, tel. 802.877.6766, or if you are coming to Vermont contact us by e-mail or call the honeyhouse near Hinesburg (802.877.6766).

classes at the honey house, all on Saturdays starting at 10 AM:

beginning beekeeping with Sam Comfort and sale of nuc bee hives ~ May 14

Vermont elderberry project, release of two cultivars from the stock of Lewis Hill ~ July 23

The May issue of Organic Style magazine has great color pictures of our crew, bee yards and scenes around the honey house. It will be out within a few weeks.

Thank you all for your interest in and support of our bees and their work you give us courage.

healing plants of Maine

February 2005 newsletter
healing plants of Maine

In early September, I made my way to the coast of Maine to connect with the hard working harvesters of the land and sea and to gather together some of the healing ingredients that go into our plant medicine. The most important part of my journey was meeting the spirited people who provide us with the means to create our plant medicine. Larch Hanson of the Maine Seaweed Co. provides us with his nutritious kelp seaweed for our Rejuvenation Tonic and goldenrod facial masque. I also met with Theresa and Tom Gaffney who harvest beautiful antioxidant blueberries for our Rejuvenation Tonic.

Larch and Margaret with seaweed harvested that day

I drove up in the baby blue bee truck, equipped to carry back 2,000 pounds of organic blueberries and 75 pounds of seaweed. As I drove along Route 2, I was filled with anticipation. But after settling in to the rhythm of big wheels on a long and twisting road, I slowed my thoughts and enjoyed the winding journey. The pace gave me a chance to fully enjoy the landscape and catch the first few whiffs of the dewy, salty air as I approached the Atlantic Ocean.

The first stop I made was at the home of Larch Hanson. He has been harvesting seaweed for thirty years and currently harvests seaweed from a chain of islands off the coast of Steuben, Maine. In addition to harvesting, Larch builds his own boats, Windsor chairs, greenhouses, dome shelters, and a beautiful house complete with a spiraling light house staircase. Larch and his son David welcomed me with their charming humor, delightful food, patient teachings about seaweed harvesting, and a few Maine lobsterman jokes.

On a gray blue morning, we went fishing at the edge the five islands where the seaweed is harvested. We took out the wooden boats that Larch crafted himself. The two larger wooden boats linked together were followed by the loyal dinghies, looking like a family of ducks bobbing in the bay. All of us fully dressed in our wet suits and heavy winter jackets, we waved to the lobster men as they slowed their boats at each personalized net buoy. Approaching the islands, David recited their names by heart, as a hiker would look to the mountain range and pick out his favorite peaks. The water surrounding the islands is very pristine. There aren’t any factories, harbors, or cities in the bay. When seaweed harvesting begins there is no boat traffic.

Larch took me out in one of the small dinghies to get a closer look at the jungle of seaweed on the seafloor. We paused to peer down into the clear water to see an example of kelp or the nori clinging to the rocks. I was intrigued when I learned that many coastal people from around the world include seaweed as a part of their daily diet, yet our current culture typically does not. Seaweed is an excellent source of vitamins, minerals, and trace elements. As with many traditional foods and medicines, the wisdom and the healing of these plants still remain an untapped source of healing for many people.

The following article is written by Larch Hanson. It is a comprehensive article that highlights some of the nutritional benefits of including seaweed into our daily diets.

Through seaweeds, the earth’s sea-blood strengthens our own sea-blood that we carry within us. Seaweeds are an excellent source of trace minerals in our diet. As our air and water become more acidified through pollution, minerals are leached and depleted from our land, fields, and they wash down to the sea, where the wild seaweeds incorporate them. When we eat seaweeds we take these minerals back into our bodies, and these minerals help us maintain an alkaline condition in our bloodstream, which is a healthy condition, resistant to fatigue and stress.

Seaweeds have admirable qualities: they are flexible, they are tenacious, they are prolific, and they are the oldest family of plants on earth. These plants link us to the primitive vitality of the sea. They strengthen our own primitive glandular system and nervous system. Don’t fear salt. Salt is necessary to life. If you are willing to sweat, you can move salt through you, and in the process, you will be actively creating your life and your dream from the universe-intellect structures of the complex salts and trace elements of the Universe. Quality counts more than quantity. If you eat the more complex salts of the sea, you will have less craving for simple junk food salt, and you will find yourself becoming more whole, satisfied and healthy.

Honey Gardens uses the seaweed that Larch collects in our Rejuvenation Tonic and facial masque. At the honey house, we enjoy munching on his nutritious dulse seaweed. For information on how to include this healthy food in your diet, click here for dulse recipes.

After a delightful stay with Larch and his son, I made my way south to Stockton Springs, Maine to meet with Theresa and Tom Gaffney and family at their organic farm, Highland Blueberries. A warm glow of hospitality followed my late arrival. Theresa welcomed me into her house and over a cup of tea, we talked about the interdependency of healing each other and our communities. As the darkness settled in, I was in a state of wonder at the vast 22 acres of organic blueberries that thrived on the land behind their house and the hard work the family puts into the harvest season each year. I was truly humbled by their vision, spirit, and integrity. Healing and antioxidant qualities are encapsulated in the joyful blueberries from their farm.

Theresa Gaffney in front of her organic blueberry fields with some of last year’s crop

Theresa showed me pictures of her hard working crew of neighborhood children with smiling faces. Every summer for blueberry harvest, they give the opportunity to these children to have the responsibility and rewards of a job.

Before I left at 5 am in the morning, Tom and Theresa helped me to pack the mother lode of 2,000 pounds of blueberries onto the back of the blue truck. It was a challenge in the early frosty morning air to piece together all of the boxes of blueberries in an orderly fashion, but we were able to wrap and insulate the entire package just before the sun started to rise above the horizon. Returning to Vermont with a load of Maine organic blueberries and wild crafted seaweed, I felt grateful for all the hard work of both the harvesters.

The passion and integrity of these healers is significant, obvious by the way they choose to lead their lives. They live in a simple grace that isn't imposing or preachy. Not much needed to be said, it was all there, the sparkle in their eyes as they took me out into the fields and out to their islands. A celebration of spirit and healing is what I found in the people that provide us with these vibrant plants. The opportunity to meet and interact with the people who put all the love and integrity into the healing plants was an inspiring gift.......

Vermont cat in winter

Michael Haulenbeek took this picture of a bobcat in Hinesburg, Vermont
on land where our bees live. The sacred is all around us.

The dance of the seasons continues...

The dance of the seasons continues, and snow is on the ground in northern Vermont. At the end of this growing season, I think about what great grandfather Thomas told us as he reflected on his life as a farmer, "The best fertilizer is always the imprint of the owner's feet." There are so many feet that have made our work possible this season; thank you so much.

We have moved through the months of harvesting, and our Apitherapy honey is in jars throughout the honey house, all naturally crystallized and reflecting the different flowers in each one. Buckets of organic elderberry and organic blueberries are in the freezer and leave every month to make our line of plant medicine. Dried purple loosestrife sit in glass jars in dark, protected places, resting in their purple majesty of pure plant medicine. Bags of pumpkin seeds wait for the final cleaning before being ground into oil.

The honey harvest was medium plus; much came in the eleventh hour, testing our patience and trust. We are grateful that our sustainability and continuity is not pegged to the amount of the honey crop any more because of our diversification further into plant medicine. What springs from the earth is what we are given, and for this we are grateful. It is exciting to have our Apitherapy honey elderberry extract available in this cold season and at time where one’s immunity can be supported when the flu comes. It is ironic that with all of the talk about the shortage of the flu vaccine, there is a traditional elderberrythat works so well. Elderberry has the anti-viral agent not found in chemical cold & flu medicines. The new 8 oz. value bottles have been discovered and are moving into the market, thanks to you all.

The tough news is that the honey bees are continuing to decline world wide, as they are affected by the parasitic mites, the poor quality of air and our land, and a lost of flowers due to development of buildings and structures. Our friend who took off a season from our honey house to work with bees in Montana reports that populations of bees reports widespread decrease of bees all over the West and a shortage of colonies for bees to pollinate the almonds. The populations of our own bees are crashing in many places, and many will have to go to South Carolina for a more gentle winter and re-build their families in the early Spring there to return to their home in the Champlain Valley of Vermont and St. Lawrence River Valley of northern New York State where the crops are.

Because almost 40% of what we eat dependent on insects (primarily honey bees) for pollination, this is of concern. Most of the wild bees have already died.

research
Raw honey has been shown to inhibit the growth of pathogens in food and food spoilage organisms. Scientists at Cornell University, Geneva, New York report “Honey has been used as a topical and gastrointestinal remedy for thousands of years, and has recently gained recognition from the medical field. The growth of many microorganisms associated with disease or infection is inhibited by honey.” more, full abstract from International Journal of Food Microbiology.

It is exciting that raw honey is now getting this kind of through review from the scientific community; we are so thankful to two of the authors of this article for help in the development of our blueberry Rejuvenation Tonic and for monitoring our product for shelf life stability.

candlelight
As we move towards winter and the solstice, we offer our pure lemon yellow beeswax candles and beeswax for your own candle making. The beeswax from the bees and flowers burns pure and actually changes the charges on ions in the air, similar to what happens when you stand next to a waterfall or take a shower. People report this cleaner air helps with their allergies and sinus conditions. Burning a paraffin candles in your home is like burning a old tire in your living room;it is not safe.



education/T-shirts
To share more about elderberries, blueberries, purple loosestrife, and raw honey, we made some cotton T-shirts.

This picture of Abigail and Margaret was taken at the honey house in late August, with Camel’s Hump, 4th highest peak in Vermont, in the background. more


pumpkin seeds for oil
We planted several acres of Stryian pumpkins this summer, seeking to learn more about the historical uses of plants as medicine for people. This plant ally is traditionally grown in the Styria region of Austria and produces oil called “the green gold of Styria”; it is a rich, dark green color due to the high levels of chlorophyll, anti-oxidative substances and unsaturated fatty acids. The oil also contains many important minerals including magnesium, silica, and calcium as well as essential vitamins.This medicinal plant supports cardiovascular health, aid in urinary well being and has been known to helps support urinary well being, cardiovascular and prostate health. by Abigail Burns

www.hgfarmersmarket.com
a new sister website offering organic Maine dulse from Larch and fresh pollen from Paul’s honey bees in the highlands of Colorado

In time, we saw that the exclusive production of honey was not sustainable. As special as truly raw honey is, beekeeping is extremely labor intensive, and along with the fluctuations of crops each year, the pressure that the bees are feeling from the parasitic mites worldwide and deterioration of the environment and flowers, and loss of nectar and pollen plants to development, we had to diversify to continue in agriculture. A string of partnerships with people began as we grew our line of plant medicine, mixing organic and wild crafted plants with raw honey, bee gathered propolis & flower pollen, and beeswax. We now support other family farms that grow and gather some of the natural raw materials that we use, such as organic elderberry, blueberry, calendula, seaweed, and propolis.

Our support of organic farmers and the web of these growing relationships has revealed that many of these farmers would benefit from an introduction to the market and community that supports Honey Gardens. Certainly our relationships have grown because of the internet connections which allow us to move towards sustainability in our work.

As Honey Gardens started and continues to remain a family business, the sharing of our friends’ work will start small and embody the same standards of being simple, genuine and true. We have come to love Theresa and her family that grow our organic blueberries and share their excitement as their crop moves from beyond the fresh and frozen arena into a medicinal use. It is an honor to support Larch’s work off the Atlantic coast of Maine as he gathers the seaweed that we use in our Rejuvenation Tonic and facial masque and now offer to you for your meals and healthy snacks. Over 20 years ago, I traveled to the highlands above the Colorado River with Paul and we worked with his bees in sacred meadows, harvesting the fresh pollen that we now use in our line and want to share with others through this farmers market.

For all of the feet in the field to the market, we thank you for your interest in and support of these people, plants and the work of the bees.

The Road to Rejuvenation

the honey house to Washington County, Maine May 1999

We brought our bees to the blueberry barrens of Cherryfield, Maine. When the bees pollinate the blueberry flowers, the fruit crop is increased around 300% compared to relying on just the wild bees and other insects for pollination.

When this land is cleared, the blueberry crop comes up the next year. The wild, low growing blueberries do not need to be planted here; they have always been in the soil. The brown bears must celebrate the arrival of the bees. Electric fences around each group of beehives and constant patrols throughout the night minimize the number of hives they tear apart looking for the next meal. The blueberries will grow throughout the summer and be harvested in August.

our bees on the blueberries barrens in Maine

Research has shown that the antioxidants in blueberries may slow the aging process, reverse memory loss, and improve vision.




the honey house to Waldo County, Maine February 2004

The fertile, rich fields of Maine have supported these blueberry plants for thousands of years. Every year a dense carpet of low bush blueberries inhabit and flourish on the land. Planted or propagated by the natives long ago or perhaps Nature's own garden, they inspire awe at their abundance.

The family who work hard and harvest the fields hold much thankfulness in their hearts. The connection has inspired a deeper commitment in them to steward the land and to give back to the plants. The land had been chemically fertilized before they moved in and they decided on less intrusive methods. Simple. Their methods of harvest have not changed since the plants were the food of their ancestors. A little hand rake with a basket. No tractors. No plows. No Chemicals. The blueberry plants fertilize themselves from their own berries, leaves, returning to the soil from the guano of visiting birds.

Every year during the flurry of harvest they hire young folk from the community to do the hand work. This could be the most important aspect of the farm. Community participation – exposing the kids (12 years & older) to the purity and connection to the Earth. Being close to the plants, the smells, the tactile sensations, the peace that comes with it.

The little storehouses are not only a rich food source but have many medicinal qualities under study today. They exhibit antioxidant activity, cardiovascular protection, anti-diabetic, vision improvement (night vision), inhibition of cancer forming conditions, ant-microbial & wound healing (using leaves & fruit), relieving diarrhea (leaves), urinary tract infection, gastric protection, brain protection. (Bilberries & blueberries as functional food & Nutraceuticals M.E. Camire, University of Maine.)

Theresa Gaffney in front of her organic blueberry fields

With some of the 2003 crop, on a snowy day February 2004

Abigail and I came to Theresa’s organic blueberry farm in Stockton Springs, Maine to get 700 lbs. of frozen berries from her freezer on the farm and bring them back to Vermont on a cold day in deep winter. This begins a bountiful partnership connecting and synergizing these two natural wonders, blueberries and honey, the plants and the bees. All spring from the soil and inn reverence and awe for these gifts we give thanks.



Rejuvenation Tonic

After months of working together with a team from the honey house, Cornell University, Geneva, NY, the University of Vermont, the Vermont Food Venture Center, and the University of Maine, we have made Rejuvenation Tonic. With organic wild blueberries from Theresa and Tom Gaffney’s organic blueberry farm in Stockton Springs, Maine, this tonic will nutrify and support our bodies well being via the vitamin and mineral content and enzymes of its ingredients. Rejuvenation Tonic will help the body adapt to stress and promote an overall sense of well-being.

This formulation also includes our bees’ Apitherapy raw honey and tonifying herb Eleuthrococcus; this used to be called Siberian ginseng and is considered an adaptogen, helping the body adapt to stressful situations.

This tonic also contains burdock root, which stimulates the natural flow of lymphatic fluid, thus supporting the excretion of toxic products from the body. The nettles, rich in iron, Vitamin C, Calcium Magnesium Zinc support the blood and immune system and urinary tract. The milk thistle seed supports liver protection and exhibits antioxidant activity. The fresh bee pollen is rich in B vitamins, bioflavanoids, and protein. It is energizing. The kelp is high in natural iodine, trace minerals which support thyroid function and lends a touch of ocean energy.

This tonic will nutrify, aid in protecting the body from stress via the antioxidant activity of blueberries, support digestion (raw honey), and strengthen the blood (nettles), supply trace minerals, vitamins and energy.

We have sold all of our 2003 Apitherapy raw honey, and will begin shipping again with the new crop of mid-July. After a few pallets of 5 lb. and 2 lb. cases are filled, we will only be filling one lb. jars. We are directing our bees’ special honey to our line of plant medicine and the 1 lb. jars, both of which are most supportive our sustainability in agriculture.

Thank you for your interest in and support of our honey bees and plants.

elderberry for colds, flu, building the immunity system

Elderberry is older than our country.

It has long been used traditionally when a cold or flu comes as it helps to build up the immunity system in our bodies. This may assist in reducing the symptoms and hastening recovery. Elderberry may help to fight some viruses that chemical medicals do not work on, and this is so important with colds and flu going around this winter and with the flu vaccine in short supply.

It is also beneficial to rest more, drink a lot of fluids, and use sliced raw garlic in soups and sandwiches.

Elderberry bushes were planted outside of the Vermont farm kitchen so that the berries could be easily gathered and used by family members when they got a cold or flu. Elderberry remains an important part of a home medicine cabinet. It works in synergy with our Apitherapy raw honey and continues a long tradition of plant medicine in our country.

Chris in his organic elderberry orchard,
source of our berries

elderberries ready to harvested,
second week of September each season

Thank you for your interest in and support of plant medicine.

invasive species

by Tim McFarlin

Invasive Species! This phrase may bring to mind hordes of magenta spiked Loosestrife marauding their way through our northeastern wetlands or perhaps it’s the choking assault of the Kudzu in the south. Our landscape is thoroughly inundated with non-native species and growing by the year. Honey bees were brought to the Americas in the 1400's, making them an invasive species. Do you think people are being invasive anywhere in the world now?

What is truly native? Is it defined by geography or chronology, or both? How long does a species have to be somewhere to attain native status? To me these debates are a waste of energy. We are all of the same world and we cannot halt the blending and mixing of it. So what can we do when the land as we know it is being overgrown? Rather than react and try to cut it out, poison it, or introduce another species to control, I feel that we should learn its history what it has to offer and establish a place for it in our lives. A perfect example is dandelion. Dandelion is cleansing to the liver and kidneys, the greens are nutrient dense, its value to our bodies cannot be elucidated here. So we harvest the plentiful, encourage the rare. Find out what the plants’ medicine or food value is, its utilitarian uses, what animals eat it, what insects live on it, how it smells, its beauty.

Tim in the Degree bee yard,
taking off honey that
the bears left July 31, 2003

Honey bees, however, are not targeted or maligned because of their non-native status. Through thousands of years of study we have discovered and continue to discover the healing qualities of hive products. Everything the bees make is good for us. We have been inspired to investigate further, driven by a passion and curiosity to know more. Why not apply this same zeal to learning about plants and animals, native or otherwise? I assume that every creature, plant or animal has many healing qualities, if not to us, then to the living earth itself.

I would ask for a moment that you suspend the negative thoughts that are associated with an invasive species. Purple Loosestrife, I learned from my Peterson guide, is useful as a gargle for sore throats, cleansing wounds, and good on stings we use it in our Throat Spray and Wound Wash).Through further research we learned a local herbalist had treated Irritated Bowel Syndrome and Chrone’s disease with it. Is it coincidence that the plants’ spurious growth comes at a time when these maladies are rampant in our society? There is much more to investigate. Purple Loosestrife also absorbs Nitrogen and Phosphorus from surface water. Purple Loosestrife is our number one honey plant in dry years, giving life to a wide range of pollinating sections. The bees work it as it has many blossoms per spike and flowers for weeks. As for Kudzu, the entire plant has many and varied medicinal uses. The Chinese have a rich history with this plant as it is native to Asia. There is a wealth of potential for this plant. One of my favorite little plants is Plantago major. This little invader is in our propolis salve it cleans wounds, stimulates healing, draws infection, the leaves are rich in vitamin, the seeds are nutritious, keeping bugs away due to its B vitamin content, and it flourishes in disturbed places where little else except other healing herbs grow.

Poison Ivy. What images does this name conjure in you? Itchy, blistery, to be avoided. Poison ivy grows in disturbed areas. Other vegetation soon begins growing amongst the ivy, animal trails weave their way through the now lush area, because people have stayed out, allowing the earth to heal itself. The poison ivy is the guardian of this healing. Poison Ivy is native as far as I know, and I only mention it here as an example of seeing beyond ourselves.

The Earth as a living matrix seeks its own vitality, repair, reproduction, and we (all life) are connected on levels beyond just the visually evident. If we look beyond the confines of our own constructs and the purely material, if we quiet our minds then we may see and feel without prejudice the essential value and beauty of all creatures. Indeed these “invasive” species are healing us and the land. If we stop reacting defensively, challenge our mental comfort zones and relinquish our prejudices there is no end to what we can learn, understand and ultimately live in harmony.



the bears and the bees
by Todd Hardie

He nourished him with honey from the rock ........ Deuteronomy 32:13

In the early days, bees made their homes in rocky places, and on hot days when the rocks got hot, honey would ooze out. Out of the hard places in life, we are given sweetness.

July 29, 2003

Much of our work these days is cleaning up after black bears devour our bees.

They scatter the homes of the bees, and after we find all of this, we walk around the bee yards and into the fields and woods beyond picking up the pieces. It takes hours, and at first, I felt so violated. The weeks that we pour into building and restoring equipment each year have felt so frustrating as the bears keep tearing apart the homes of our bees.

We try to save the bees, hoping that the queen and as much of the family as possible are in the boxes.

The other day, a bear(s) knocked over 13 colonies in the Plessis yard. This was a record. Usually they destroy one to three at a time.

If we come days later, many of the bees are still clinging onto their broken homes, faithfully clustered as a family, now exposed to the rain and sun.

Charlotte at Arthur's house

We keep adding wires to the electric fences in attempt to keep the bears from slipping through. The standard fence now has seven wires, and it is our hope that these will keep the bears away. I am amazed at how many stings and electric shock a bear will take for this meal. Buying and installing all of this equipment is expensive – last week the income from selling honey was only slightly more the amount we had spent on trying to deal with the bears alone.

We are approaching 60 colonies of bees lost to the bears this season. The day was spent putting frames and boxes on the truck that had been dismantled by the bears in the last few months. When we went to the Herb bee yard, we found that two more colonies had been taken by the bears in the last three days. Here we learned that the batteries that we use must be recharged after five days or they lose enough of their " sting" that bears walk right in. A few weeks earlier we did not understand how the bear was getting into the fenced in bee yard until we saw that the bear was climbing an ash tree next to the fence and then jumping over the hot wires to get into the bee yard.

I was weary and sad. All of the trials with the bears had worn me down, but this was naturally being merged into other information that I was continually gathering. I have increasingly seen that I have spread myself too thin and was trying to do much in order to make our beekeeping-agricultural business work, especially in a year of a light honey crop. The bears were giving me a message - let go of trying to work in so many wide-spread geographical areas in order to serve (metaphorically) Manhattan and Boston and everywhere in between and now work to serve a more regional and local market with honey and focus more on plant medicine.

A peace has settled over me. I see the bears now as our allies. They had helped me to see something that was much more important than all of the equipment and honey we had " lost" to them this season and last.

I was so thankful.

December 5, 2003

Our relationship with the bears this year is just one part of the comprehensive changes at Honey Gardens Apiaries to be more sustainable and in relationship with our family and community. Thank you so much for your interest in and support of our bees and plants that allow us to do this work.