GARFIELD -- Patrick Edwards' dream is having a dedicated place for children to see, understand and appreciate honey bees.
Several years ago, Edwards became interested in beekeeping. After several attempts, he finally talked his wife, Kelly, into acquiring some bees, and they started a hive.
Winter was quickly approaching, however, and the new beekeepers didn't see the hive survive. The next spring, equipped with more knowledge and know-how, they started a new hive.
"We've split it three times now and we haven't looked back," Kelly said.
That was about eight years ago. Their love for bees has now bloomed into a full-time business, Prepper Bee Supply in Garfield, which offers a full line of quality beekeeping supplies. The two, who find bees interesting creatures, want to educate others as well.
In late March, Patrick will bring two hives, encased in glass, into the business.
"People have asked all winter, 'Where are the bees?'" Kelly said.
Patrick loves to have the encased hives in the bee supply store. It's highly educational and people love to watch the bees in action, he said.
His dream, of course, is to have a space for children to learn more about bees. He has designed his dream around a reality that is taking place in Detroit, which author Stephen Repasky describes in his book.
Patrick recently approached the Bella Vista Sunrise Rotary Club about sponsoring such a dream. The $6,000 to $8,000 donation -- coupled with a partnership of city or county land -- would offer school children and others a place to see and appreciate bees.
The place in Detroit has a screened porch, where buses can pull up and unload the children. Youngsters can watch from behind a glass of protection.
In a northwest Arkansas venture, Patrick also would like to have bee suits available for those more adventuresome kids who would like the hands-on approach.
As they garner interest for such an endeavor, the Edwards lend a helping hand to fellow beekeepers by selling quality bee supplies, giving free advice, and serving as a mentor and a connector for many. Prepper Bee Supply, located just off U.S. Highway 62 in Garfield, offers everything a beekeeper needs, from those who are beginning to those who are considered advanced. In addition to supplies, suits, hats and gloves, they sell honey, how-to books, T-shirts and more.
For those who wish to get started, Prepper Bee Supply offers a nucleus hive, with five frames, which includes eggs, brood, honey, larvae, bees, pollen, the queen the bees have raised and five frames with wax, Kelly said.
An average cost is generally $160 for the bees, plus $118 for a top, inner cover, bottom board, frames and foundation. Each additional box costs $50, she said.
Bees are extremely interesting and when provided the right environment, they somewhat care for themselves.
The bees have to like the queen bee, but if something is wrong with her or she isn't producing like she should, they will kill her. Then, they raise approximately 10 queen cells and know which one will produce a good queen, Kelly said.
Their love for bees and helping others started small: the two started selling supplies out of their barn on their 30 acres outside of Garfield.
They began to realize, however, that there was a growing interest in beekeeping and a real need for supplies.
"More people want to be green and natural," Kelly says. Honey also has several important qualities and benefits, ranging from antibiotics to antiseptic.
A media flurry that bees were rapidly dying also has spurred people in helping the bees survive, she said.
So the couple decided to take their money earmarked for a house and, instead, invest it in a business to offer a dedicated spot for selling supplies. They purchased a former fruit stand that had been empty for eight years. Raccoons had done their damage, and the insulation was pulling loose.
They put a lot of sweat into the building, and are now celebrating their third season in business.
The Edwards advertise in Names & Numbers, utilize social media and make numerous connections through associations and clubs.
They helped establish the Benton County Beekeepers Association, are members of the Northwest Arkansas Beekeepers Association and participate in beginning beekeeping classes. They belong to 12 clubs and stress that those who would like to get started may be paired with a mentor.
The Edwards find many people in the area -- and in neighboring states -- are interested in beekeeping and need their services. They have customers who drive from Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and southern places in Arkansas, like Mena and Waldron.
For those who are interested in beekeeping but are intimidated, Kelly said the process can be as overwhelming -- or simple -- as you make it.
"Bees are like raising kids. We all may do it differently, but we all have the same end goal," she said, smiling.
The business is located at 19205 U.S. Hwy. 62, Garfield. Hours are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, Wednesday through Saturday, and from 1 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. The store is closed on Tuesdays.
To reach the Edwards, call 479-426-7172 or 479-616-4345, visit www.prepperbeesupply.com or like the Prepper Bee Supply page on Facebook.
Business on 02/15/2017