Here in Wilmington, our honeybees have access to a fantastic, season-long buffet right in our backyards, parks, and wild spaces. The unique taste of local honey isn’t just from one flower, but a beautiful mix of what’s blooming all year round. It’s a true taste of our Massachusetts landscape!

After a long winter, the bees are desperate for their first meal. Before most flowers even think about showing up, the trees are the first to the party.

  • Maple and Willow Trees: These are the real heroes of early spring. Their tiny, often-overlooked flowers provide the crucial first sources of pollen and nectar, giving the queen the energy she needs to start laying eggs and rebuilding the colony.

  • Dandelions and Clovers: Don’t call them weeds! That first bright yellow pop of a dandelion in your lawn is a five-star restaurant for a hungry bee. Early Dutch clover is just as vital.

Summer

  • Black Locust & Linden Trees: For a few weeks in early summer, the sweet smell of Black Locust and Linden (or Basswood) trees fills the air. They produce a massive amount of nectar, creating a light, delicious honey.

  • Wildflowers: Our area is rich with bee favorites. Keep an eye out for fuzzy Sumac clusters, the tall purple spires of Joe Pye Weed, and the ever-present Milkweed that’s so critical for monarch butterflies, too.

  • Your Gardens! 🏡 Our bees aren’t shy. They love visiting local gardens filled with bee balm (Monarda), lavender, coneflowers, and all sorts of flowering herbs

The Final Winter Prep

As summer wanes, the bees have one last chance to pack their pantry for the cold months ahead. This late-season forage is what ensures their survival.

  • Goldenrod: This is the undisputed champion of autumn. The fields of bright yellow Goldenrod provide the last major nectar flow of the year. The honey made from it is darker, richer, and a perfect winter food for the hive. (And no, it doesn’t cause hay fever—that’s ragweed!)

  • Asters: Alongside goldenrod, you’ll see various purple and white Asters. These provide essential late-season pollen.

From the first maple bloom in March to the last aster in October, Wilmington provides a diverse and rich environment for our apiaries. When you taste our local honey, you’re tasting the seasons of our town in every single drop!