Fiddler’s Honey & Apiary – Unique and flavorful expressions of nature’s beauty in every jar and hive
by Eliza Chapman Bailey, Photographs by Laura Melfi
To create honey, bees gather a combination of flavors and aromas that reflect the diverse bouquet of flowers they have visited. When you taste honey, you’re not just enjoying a sweet treat – you’re taking a sensory journey through the forest, meadows, and lush gardens that each bee has called upon. Unfortunately, the wild bee species population and managed honey bee colonies population in South Carolina have been experiencing declines in recent years. This decline is primarily due to various factors, including habitat loss, pesticide use, diseases and parasites, climate and other environmental stressors that impact the pollinating of crops and support agricultural production.
In 2009, John Stieglitz recognized this decline and started beekeeping to pollinate his garden in Walterboro, South Carolina. This proactive approach to pollination led to a successful harvest and the establishment of Fiddler’s Honey and Apiary. This local small business produces unblended, raw South Carolina-certified honey from 100 strategically placed hives throughout Colleton County. This certification ensures that the bees and hives are located within the state and meet specific quality, safety, and authenticity standards. Since the bees use nectar from local flowers and plants, Fiddler’s Honey captures the seasonal colors, notes, and undertones of South Carolina in every drop.
Stieglitz also sells starter bee colonies and beekeeping supplies. He has spent years cultivating docile bee colonies that are essential for the safety and ease of beekeepers, as well as the overall health and productivity of the colony. Through sustainable practices, he regularly inspects his hives to identify potential issues that can cause stress and aggression within the hive. Stieglitz emphasizes the importance of the queen bee’s temperament in maintaining the harmony and docility of the community, which, in turn, fosters a holistic symbiotic relationship between the hive and the beekeeper. He offers a limited number of starter colonies that include the queen and worker bees, drawing on his deep understanding of hive dynamics for a successful beekeeping experience.
By “ building a relationship with calm and gentle bees,” he states, “beekeeping and honey harvesting is rewarding because the bees spend more time foraging and producing honey than participating in aggressive behaviors.”
As an active South Carolina Beekeeping Association member, Stieglitz participates in workshops and educates others in beekeeping and honey production. Committed to protecting and helping the beekeeping industry and others, he provides reasonably priced supplies and top-quality honey products, free from additives or preservatives, while also contributing to the local economy. Supporting Fiddler’s Honey and Apiary is a sweet way to help maintain biodiversity, food security, and the health of our ecosystem. AM
Their honey is available at the Walterboro farmer’s market or can be purchased on-site by appointment. Interested customers can also visit their website at https://fiddlershoney.com/ for more information about purchasing starter colonies.
