Autumn in the Bee Yard: Seasons Changing, Bees Buzzing, and Winter PreP
Hello again, friends!
First, we want to apologize for our absence on the blog over the last few months. Between managing the ever-busy bee farm and navigating some personal health challenges, finding time to write has been challenging. But with autumn in full swing, we're feeling renewed and inspired, and there’s much to share about this beautiful and busy season in the bee yard. So grab your coffee or tea, sweetened with our honey of course, and let's fall right into this week's blog.
As the temperatures dip and the leaves turn and fall, the honey harvest season has been completed here at Fingerlakes Honey Company. Side note: If you've never been to the Fingerlakes region in autumn, you should add it to your bucket list. This time of year, the hills and valleys are painted in vibrant hues of red, orange, and gold, making every drive and hike a breathtaking experience. Crisp, cool air carries the scent of pine and fallen leaves, while vineyards and apple orchards are ripe with activity, filling baskets and barrels with the season's bounty. It's a time when you can taste the region’s rich harvest, from warm spiced cider to fresh local honey. Our bees are now settling down for the colder months, but the beauty of the season keeps us all warmly connected to nature.
But back to our autumn honey harvest...
Autumn in the bee yard is a season of preparation, gratitude, and change. It’s our final honey harvest of the year, and the honey takes on a unique character, thanks to the vibrant array of fall blooms our bees have been visiting. Goldenrod, asters, and other wildflowers are some of the main sources of nectar this time of year. These late-season flowers give our autumn honey a rich, amber hue and a flavor that’s complex, earthy, and bee-licious. It’s incredible to see how the shift toward cooler, shorter days is reflected in the honey’s deepened flavor and color. We truly get to taste the season in every jar!
As harvest wrapped up, the real work began—getting our hives cozy and prepped for winter. Winter prep in the bee yard is like getting ready for a big sleepover. First, we do a hive check to make sure everyone’s happy and healthy. The queen gets a little extra attention to ensure she’s still thriving, and we look at food stores to make sure the bees have enough to snack on when the snow comes. Insulating the hives and reducing entrances helps keep the warmth in and any pesky intruders out. The bees have given their all this season, so our job now is to help them hunker down and get through winter safe and snug. Giving them the best chance to stay cozy and safe until spring returns is a labor of love that always reminds us of the partnership we share with these incredible little pollinators. Every hive and every bee matters, and we're grateful for this journey with them as we transition through the seasons together.
As we move into the cooler months, we’re also getting ready for the holidays. This time of year is special for so many reasons, and it’s a joy to share the products our bees have helped create. From gift jars of spring and autumn honey to handmade candles crafted from beeswax, we have items that bring the warmth of the hive to your home. Our new candle is especially exciting—made with our 100% beeswax, it has a natural, subtle scent and burns cleanly, perfect for cozying up as the nights grow longer. It’s a beautiful way to bring a little of the bee yard into your space and share it with loved ones.
We also offer a variety of "Made By the Bees" and "Made By the Beekeeper" gifts that are sure to bee-light anyone on your Christmas list. If you can't decide, Fingerlakes Honey Company also offers "Adopt a Bee" or "Adopt a Hive" memberships as well as eGift cards. We will also bee posting some holiday recipes (on our new RECIPE pages) and specials in the coming weeks, so keep an eye out on our social media pages for all the buzz.
Thank you for your patience, support, and continued interest in our journey here at Fingerlakes Honey Company. As we get ready for winter and the holiday season, we're filled with gratitude for our bees and for everyone who supports our farm. Autumn is a season of reflection, and we're reminded of how special it is to share this journey with you. This Saturday the 16th marks our 5 year business anniversary! We couldn't have done it without you. Thank you for following along, for enjoying our honey, and for being part of our journey. Wishing you a cozy, honey-filled autumn, and we’ll be back soon with more updates from the bee yard!
Until Next Time- Stay Sweet!
Tom and Stacie
Our Beekeepers, Tom and Stacie, are co-owners of Fingerlakes Honey Company located in the bee-utiful Fingerlakes region of New York State. When they are not tending to all things bees, they enjoy spending time with their grown children, their dog, and lots of chickens on their homestead. They love learning more about the bees they foster and helping others to learn more about them as well.
Comments