New bees in new spaces
I am thrilled to announce a new partnership with Olivette Farm! They are now hosting bees and will be selling Feral Farms honey year-round in their farm stand at 172 Old Macedonia Rd. in Alexander.
I’ll also be hosting a series of classes at Olivette this year (more on that in a bit) and could not be more grateful to be welcomed into this beautiful space. I hope to see you there!
Upcoming classes
Let’s learn together!
I will be offering multiple sessions of my 3-part beginner beekeeping class series throughout the summer. If you or someone you know is interested in learning about beekeeping for the first time or expanding your knowledge, this is a perfect opportunity to get the basics down!
The next series begins this Wednesday June 3rd at 6pm. See class details and sign up here!
All About Bees - Wednesday, June 3rd, 6-8 pm (lecture)
Ins and Outs of Beekeeping - Wednesday, June 10th, 6-8 pm (lecture)
Hands on in the Hive - Saturday, June 20th, 10am - 1pm (hands-on/weather permitting)
I will also be teaching a class on Integrated Pest Management for Beekeepers at Olivette on June 17th from 5-8 pm.
If you’re a beekeeper who has had hives mysteriously collapse or abscond, has had a difficult time getting your bees through the winter, are averse to using chemical treatments, or are just simply overwhelmed by the concept of managing for pests and pathogens in the hive, this class is for you!
As always, sliding scale pricing is available for all classes upon request. Email [email protected] to inquire!
Markets and Events
I am looking forward to vending at the 5th annual Asheville Honey Fest on June 7th at Highland Brewing. I will be helping facilitate the Center for Honeybee Research’s education tent in addition to selling Feral Farms honey and beeswax products. Come find me by the silos in the meadow!
I will also be at the following upcoming events:
Laurel Country Pride - July 21, 2026
Venture Shakespeare Community & Culture Weekend - August 21-22, 2026
Hope to see you there!
Photo by my dear friend Finn Digman
A big thank you to Asheville Community Plant Market for having me at their last two pop-up markets, and to everyone who came out and supported myself and other local makers and growers! Keep an eye out on their page for upcoming markets and events.
Getting to connect with my community and support other local organizations and small businesses is one of the many joys of what I do. With the beekeeping season in full swing, it’s hard to make time for events (or anything) outside of the apiary, but I am so grateful for the opportunity each and every time.
Over the past couple months, I’ve also had the privilege of speaking about bees with students at Claxton Elementary and AC Reynolds Middle School, as well as lots of private lessons and hive consultations around WNC. I can’t overstate how much it fills my cup to share the love of pollinators and spread the magic of these tiny creatures on which we all depend. If you’re ever looking for pollinator or beekeeping education services, private lessons, or assistance with your bees, please don’t hesitate to reach out!
Some final thoughts…
Photo by J Jacov <3
As spring moves into summer, I’m taking a moment to catch my breath and reflect. I find myself inclined to comment on the destructive forces of imperialism, late stage capitalism, and climate change that continue to make life more difficult and the future more uncertain for us all. It is a scary time to be alive for so many reasons, and I simply don’t have the space nor words to convey the immensity of emotion there.
Despite carrying so much grief about the state of the world, I simultaneously feel overwhelmed with gratitude for the little miracles of abundance that surround me every day. Each bloom on each tulip tree, the symphony of native pollinators enjoying the clover and deadnettle in my yard, the wild brambles just starting to bear fruit, the way these sweet mountains are bursting with luscious blues and greens after a much needed week of rainfall…
More than anything, I’m grateful to be part of a community that works together to create, provide, and care for one another. Much like the bees, these Appalachian folks live and breathe altruism and collective care. I’m inspired every day by the amazing organizing and mutual aid efforts being leveraged to help people meet their basic needs in community. Below are some local organizations dear to my heart that can always use extra support, in case you’re inclined to donate or get involved:
As always, thank you for reading and for supporting Feral Farms Beekeeping in whatever capacity, even if it’s just appreciating the bees or loving your neighbors. I couldn’t do it without the support of my incredible community, and I’m so glad we’re all in this together.
“Action on behalf of life transforms. Because the relationship between self and the world is reciprocal, it is not a question of first getting enlightened or saved and then acting. As we work to heal the earth, the earth heals us.”
Until next time,
Carmen @ Feral Farms Beekeeping 🐝
