Here at Barters Island Bees, we are emerging from a hard winter. Winter brought us tons of rain and temperatures that fluctuated wildly. When it was warm enough to check our hives, we were devastated to find that we lost ten hives. When you lose a hive, you perform an 'autopsy'. The culprit this year was moisture. Even though you install boards to absorb extra moisture, this year's wind and rain was too much for the hives to handle. These losses are hard (and expensive!) to take. But on April 26th, we picked up and set up new bees and queens to replace all those lost hives. I'm happy to report that the new bees are beautiful, big fat honeybees and they look happy and healthy in their new homes.
We have been overwhelmed by the response to our honey this last 2 years. Last year, we started with one Farmers Market in Boothbay, and some fall holiday shows. This year, we will be in 3 Farmers Markets..... Do you think it's a little special that the markets are all B's (Bees)?
Brunswick, Maine on Tuesdays from 8am-1pm beginning May 7 @ Waterfront Park at Maine St &, Park Row, Brunswick, ME 04011
Boothbay, Maine on Thursdays from 9am-12pm beginning May 16 on the Town Green as you drive into town on Rt. 27
Bath, Maine on Saturdays from 9am-12pm, open now (April) 61 Commercial St, Bath, ME 04530
We are also expanding the number of places that you can buy our products. We're delighted to be in the Coastal Maine Botanical Gardens Gift Shop (we live so close to the Gardens that our bees forage there!), Spears Farm Market on Rt 1 in Nobleboro and Lisa Marie's Made in Maine shops in Brunswick and Portland. That's only a few of our new retail stores!
The Bath Market is underway and the next two will begin soon. It's wonderful to be back out there, meeting people and having them taste our honey. Hope to see you there!