Inside the Hive: Beekeeper Willow

Buzzing Insights: Diving into Beekeeping with Willow on Our Podcast

Bees are more than just buzzing insects—they’re vital pollinators facing real threats in our modern world. In a recent episode of our podcast, we sat down with Willow, who is a passionate beekeeper. What started as an escape for Willow and her friend turned into a thriving passion project. Eager to make a difference, they dove into beekeeping despite having no land or much money. Partnering with a generous farmer, they set up hives and let the bees take the lead. As Willow shared, “The rest of the story kind of wrote itself. Bees took over from there.”

Willow emphasized sustainable practices, drawing from 1800s methods. Instead of stripping hives bare and feeding bees sugar water, they leave ample honey for winter survival. We delved into hive dynamics: queens, laying fertilized eggs for worker bees and unfertilized ones for drones. Urban beekeeping hurdles were a hot topic— Materials? Simple wood boxes, unchanged since the late 1800s. Honey’s health perks shone through: raw, local varieties combat sore throats, heal wounds, and even serve as natural skincare. Many varieties of honey exist. Examples include pricey New Zealand Manuka or dark buckwheat. Willow urges us to sample different kinds to discover all the unique flavors and textures.

Beyond honeybees, Willow highlighted native pollinators from habitat loss and pesticides. Bee hotels—easy DIY logs with drilled holes—provide nesting for solitary species like carpenter bees. Willow’s tip: Skip supermarkets, buy from local keepers for authenticity and to support ethical care.

Getting started? Research via Beekeepers Association courses, start with two hives (~$500 each plus $250 for a nucleus colony), and compare progress. Total startup for three: around $2,000.

This episode was a sweet reminder of bees’ magic and our role in their survival. Check out Willow on Instagram @willowvwisp

Tune into our podcast for more eco-adventures. Support your local buzz—bees need us now more than ever.