The fateful hives

Spoiler Alert – Everyone is fully clothed on our farm and website.

From Bees to Blooms: Our Journey to Flower Farming

My passion for flowers and bees started in the NC foothills, at a little place called Buck Mountain.

Beekeeping naturally led me to flower farming; after all, beekeepers are always chasing blooms for their hives.

Early in my beekeeping journey, we moved a few hives to the mountains for the coveted NC sourwood tree flowers, a success that helped our bees thrive through their first winter.

Life Lessons Taught by Bees

One evening, soon after the bees arrived, it began to rain. As a devoted, albeit new, beekeeper, I decided to check on the bees. I thought one quick task in the bee yard wouldn’t hurt. Most of the time, honey bees are calm, but they don’t take kindly to nighttime disturbances—especially under a headlamp and in the rain. That night, I broke all the unwritten rules.

When I opened the largest hive, I was met with instant chaos. The bees moved like lightning, getting tangled in my hair, crawling on my neck, and finding their way into my shirt. What followed was a frantic dash up a 30-degree incline, swatting and shedding layers in a desperate attempt to escape.

(Swatting is another cardinal rule.  For those keeping count, I’m over 3 infractions now.)

My husband, Paul, watched from the porch, chuckling as he saw me, half-dressed, sprinting from the bee yard. The kids and their friend, wide-eyed, stood frozen in shock.

As the laughter died down, Paul  managed to choke out “Babe, this is Buck Mountain.  Not Buck NAK3D Mountain!” 

Growing A Passion For Flowers

That unforgettable evening set the stage for better bee forage.

As I cared for the bees and maintained the garden, the amount of flowers slowly overtook the vegetables.

Their beauty, resilience, and seasonal charm captivated me (and the bees) and became the central part of our farm.

My love for blooms blossomed into a family business, and the name Buck Naked Farm stayed, with its tongue-in-cheek nod to our history.

Our Flower-Focused Approach

Today, our farm is all about bringing the freshest, most vibrant flowers to life for special events, especially weddings.

I grow organically, use minimal inputs, and prioritize sustainable floral practices to nurture both our blooms and our bees.

The result? Seasonal wedding flowers that capture the essence of North Carolina’s natural beauty.

Farming for Flower Fairies

Honey bees are still an integral part of our farm, working in harmony with our flower fields. These flower fairies pollinate everything from cheerful zinnias to fragrant sweet peas ensuring boutiful seeds for next year.

The bees, with their impeccable taste and subtle lessons in patience and respect, have taught me that successful flower farming is about balance, sustainability, and a deep love for the North Carolina’s seasons.

So, keep your clothes on, have a laugh on me, and enjoy our abundant blooms.

At Buck Naked Farm, we’re committed to bringing you flowers that are as unique, vibrant, and memorable as our story.