Buzzing Bush Apiary, a new honey producer in the heart of the Beaver Valley in Kimberley, offers beekeeping immersion tours to bring their fascinating world of 20 active, productive honey bee hives to the public.
Jocelyn Bertrand, co-owner of Buzzing Bush Apiary with Alain Johnson, stated: “We are thrilled to introduce our bees to an increasingly engaged public who are becoming keenly aware of the importance that bees have in our food production. We have interest from people all ages who are more than willing to suit up with the protective gear we provide. We literally take the lid off the world of bees at our sustainable apiary, and visitors get a hands-on look at how this fascinating life force interacts and operates in the complex inner workings of a hive.”
The Canadian Honey Council states there are more than 6,000 beekeepers in Canada with over half a million colonies. Bees pollinate one third of our vegetable and fruit crops in Canada.
Honey bees have an extremely ordered society, structured around one queen who works with different castes including drones, nurses, guards, groomers and more.
In the beekeeping immersion tour, Jocelyn spends an hour in the barn before heading out to the bee yard to provide a layman’s overview of this hierarchy along with providing examples of frames, tools and beekeeping equipment. Bookings are available for seniors, adults and children six years and up.
Ray Macdonald, president of the Kimberley Community Association, comments, “The new addition of an apiary open to the public compliments a burgeoning and diverse list of businesses in the area that focus on the many ways to explore Beaver Valley. We have award-winning businesses here that are driven by the desire to showcase this stunning, unique geographic pocket in Ontario.
"I know that Jocelyn and Alain, with their expertise, flair and sense of humour, will provide a unique experience for anyone who wants to see a layer of our thriving local ecosystem.”
The bee yard is on the property of their daylily farm, Artemesia Daylilies, founded in 2003. Jocelyn and Alain have built a long-term relationship with Mother Nature and see the importance of sharing their experiences.
“Beekeeping, bees and the natural benefits of hive products are fun, interesting and topical,” says Jocelyn, “but there is a responsibility that comes with it. There are significant issues around bees globally, and there is a benefit to even a basic introduction to them.”
About Buzzing Bush Apiary
Buzzing Bush Apiary is located in Kimberley, Ont., about one hour west of Barrie. It showcases hive products (multifloral honey, pollen, wax and propolis) derived from the diverse flora found in the Beaver Valley sold directly to the consumer. Beekeeping immersion tours were developed to engage a public whose interest in the world of honey bees has dramatically increased. Consulting services to newly interested beekeepers are offered to help them start the journey into maintaining hives. Jocelyn Bertrand and Alain Johnson, the owners of Buzzing Bush Apiary, have built this business on the foundation of their existing agribusiness, Artemesia Daylilies, launched in 2003 with more than 700 daylily varieties.
