Rita Bees LLC is a cottage industry dedicated to providing products that contribute positively to personal well-being without jeopardizing the environment. Sales proceeds provide funds to sustain Rita Bees' honey bee apiary and daylily gardens. The first product offered in 2013 was Rita's Bees on Jean's Farm raw Wildflower Honey collected from honey bee colonies raised with modern, natural, low-stress (for the bees) husbandry. The second product was Daylilies. But why Daylilies? Because they fit right in! And they offer some of the most beautiful, day after day viewing of any flowers (humble opinion). These registered cultivars are grown on-site with Tender Loving Care using pollinator-friendly methods and materials. |
Rita Bee is a Certified Beekeeper and Master Gardener. Her Bachelor degrees in Biology and Chemistry were earned in the '60's and provided a good income for years.
But in 'retirement', she's following a very different path. o Growing a limited number of daylilies for sale; o Establishing her own apiary on Jean's Farm in 2013; o Re-introducing honey bees at a Smith-Gilbert Gardens near her home and organizing a daylily area within Smith-Gilbert's pollinator garden; o Public speaking about pollinators; o Harvesting honey - Mmmm, Mmmm Great! o (And ... surprisingly, since 2018, cultivating a relationship with a missionary friend in Samburu County, Kenya, who's helping to establish sustainable industries and a Co-op to provide a better local economy. She's going to call the local store "Beads 'n Bees" . (See photos.) Rita's husband, Dennis, contributes HUGELY by making woodenware for the apiary and raised beds for the gardens. Together, they're great partners and celebrating their 50th anniversary in 2020! Yay! Two sons, their wives and three grandsons enjoy the honey more than the gardening and beekeeping. |
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And Don't Worry ... Bee Happy !