A Regina family is using backyard beehives to make honey and is building a community in the process.

Jade Benesh and her husband José Rodríguez, along with their three children, Isis, 13, Santiago, 10, and Roman, 2, are planting and managing honeybee hives across Regina. Jade, who got interested in beekeeping two years ago, says being around bees makes her feel calm and connected to life. She learned about beekeeping through online videos, books, courses, and hands-on training and eventually earned her beekeeper’s certificate.

Today, the family installs and maintains honeybee hives in places like backyards, balconies, and community gardens. The hives stay in place all year and provide a safe home for the bees while supporting sustainable beekeeping in the city. People who host the beehives pay a monthly or yearly fee and receive about 20 pounds of local honey, along with other bee products during the year, such as flavoured honey for holidays, beeswax candles, and handmade soap. What began as placing beehives in backyards around Regina has also helped bring neighbours together and build a sense of community.

Jade Benesh and José Rodríguez take care of all the hive maintenance, including preparing the bees for winter, and later harvest the honey for their new local business, called La Honey. Neighbours say the bees help local gardens thrive and create chances for people to connect by sharing plants, honey, and experiences.

Source: Anna-May Zeviar, CBC