Buzzing Meadows Farm
Buzzing Meadows Farm is nestled in a valley at the south eastern end of the stunning Slieve Aughty Mountains. A haven for wildlife with vibrant wildflower meadows, thriving beehives, and a stunning cut flower patch, the farm offers a tranquil escape from the hustle and bustle.
Committed to sustainable practices, Buzzing Meadows Farm produces raw honey, beeswax candles, and glorious cut flowers.
The Apiary
Beekeeping Training
In 2019 Joan travelled to Canada to take a year long commercial beekeeping course near Vancouver, British Columbia. This amazing hands-on course, took you through a full season of beekeeping and included a summer internship with a Canadian Commercial Bee Farmer.
Bee Experience
After completing the Course, Jeff and Amanda at Honeybee Zen, invited Joan back to work for the next season. Thanks to Covid and visa difficulties, Joan ended up having 3.5 amazing seasons, learning the ropes and developing skills that will help her grow and develop Buzzing Meadows.
How we Started
In 2023 Joan purchased four colonies of Native Irish Black Bees - Apis mellifera mellifera and moved to Buzzing Meadows Farm on the Galway Clare border.
The number of colonies continues to grow and in 2024 we harvested our first crop of honey.
NIHBS Voluntary Conservation Area
At Buzzing Meadows, we've declared our farm a Native Irish Honey Bee Society Conservation Area to protect and support Ireland's native bee populations. Recognizing the critical role these pollinators play in our ecosystem, we've committed to preserving natural habitats, promoting biodiversity, and adopting sustainable farming practices. Our dedication to conservation ensures that Buzzing Meadows remains a thriving sanctuary for bees, helping to secure their future and the health of our environment.
As more conservation areas are set up, NIHBS hopes to create corridors through the landscape - continuous, safe passageways for bees and other wildlife across the Island of Ireland. These corridors will connect various habitats, from gardens and farms to larges estates and public spaces allowing pollinators to move freely and access the resources they need to thrive. By establishing these natural linkages, we help enhance biodiversity, strengthen ecosystems, and ensure that our farm remains a vital part of the broader environmental network.
The Cut Flower Patch
For the love of flowers
Gardening and growing flowers for cutting is definitely in Joan's DNA! Both her grandmothers grew and arranged stunning flowers for events, and even for royalty. Joan grows flowers out of her love for them and to share that love with others. By cultivating blooms without pesticides, she promotes sustainability and supports local pollinators like bees and butterflies. Her dedication to eco-friendly practices ensures healthier flowers and a thriving ecosystem, providing beautiful, natural arrangements for the community.
Colour and Varity
Our cutting patch is a vibrant garden brimming with diverse, seasonal flowers. It features a colorful array of blooms, from classic roses to exotic lilies, all cultivated sustainably.
The patch provides fresh, fragrant flowers ideal for any occasion, ensuring beauty and quality with every handpicked stem.
Sustainability
We are a sustainable cut flower grower, cultivating blooms without pesticides to protect the environment. Our practices support local pollinators like bees and butterflies, enhancing biodiversity.
By prioritizing eco-friendly methods, we ensure healthier flowers and contribute to a balanced, thriving ecosystem while offering beautiful, natural arrangements.