Becoming a Beekeeper
Living in the beautiful Paradise Valley outside Squamish, BC, I dreamed of creating a beautiful garden, not only to feed our family, but also to provide a home for pollinators and beneficial insects. Little did I know this was the beginning of my beekeeping journey!
My desire, intention and delight was to farm in a regenerative way. I worked in rocky ground using hugelkultur and composting techniques to create healthy soil. I planted all kinds of flowering fruit bearing trees, berry bushes, and colourful native flowers – including the bright sunshine blossoms of yellow clover.
Growing and transforming all around me was a beautiful garden.
Our garden became a home for many – butterflies, wild bees, hummingbirds, chickadees, snakes, and lizards, to name a few. It was the interaction between plants, animals and ourselves as caretakers that created a longing to go deeper still.
Equipped in my brand new bee suit, I tended to my first 2 honeybee colonies. Ready or not, here began my beekeeping journey! It was far from easy at first, but our colonies grew to something bigger than I ever dreamed.
Our very first honey extracting experience!
Mentored by friend and local dance instructor, Gerald Cote, I learned step by step – the intricacies of beekeeping. In my first year, I prevented hives from swarming, learned best practices for safety from bears, and diligently performed regular hive maintenance. It was intense at times, but also deeply rewarding, and I learned a lot!
I learned valuable beekeeping skills, but above all, I learned lessons from the bees themselves. To live in the moment, care for the needs of others, and work collaboratively towards a common goal.
– AnnaMarie
