Well, folks, it’s official. I became a beekeeper on May 23, 2014. Of course, I began keeping bees in April 2013. You see, I feel there is an unwritten rule that defines a beekeeper similar to what might define a gardener. For instance, can one really call oneself a gardener if one has never harvested anything from their own garden? Thus, the unwritten rule for beekeepers that denotes a complete cycle is: One must have harvested honey from one’s own hive, quantity unspecified, before becoming a full-fledged beekeeper.

Truth be told, my harvest was not all that much. I collected two pints, or 2.6 pounds. Yep. Just shy of three pounds. But let me tell you, those two pints will always be my dearest. That may not sound like much, but it is twice the amount the average American consumes per year.

Regardless of the amount, I had to share the sweet treasure with my neighbors. Of course, I did not have enough to go around the block, but I am working on it. I will give some of the Backyard Goodness to the others as soon more becomes available, which I hope will be soon.

Now that all the particulars are clear, I will get on with this story. I have to say, even though my first harvest was unintentional, in that the comb broke inside the hive and the bees continued to build it, the harvest was great. Believe you me when I say that MY BEES MAKE THE BEST HONEY! Ok, I may be a little biased, but I am sure you will indulge my excitement for a moment.

This is the part where I am doing my little “I’m a beekeeper” dance: Oh yeah, I’m a beekeeper. I got some huun-ey. Oh, yeah. It’s so gooo-od. Bees are coo-ol …

Thank you for my moment. I truly appreciate it.

So, now what? What’s next after this major milestone? I wait. This beekeeping thing is teaching me the art of patience. Honestly, I had no idea that I would learn so much from beginning my beekeeping journey. Good things come to those who put forth the effort — and wait a little while.

I also owe thanks to many people. Thanks to my wife for putting up with my “Guess what I’m going to do” moments. Thanks to my neighbors for being so kind, understanding, and supportive. Finally, thanks to the City of Washington for understanding the importance of bees, and being  among the growing number of cities that support urban beekeeping. I hope that Washington will continue to support and promote urban beekeeping, and influence other cities to do the same.

What about my honey, you ask. Well, of course I am going to tell you a little bit about it. You didn’t think I would leave you wondering, did you?

The honey is a light, golden amber with hints of roasted bronze accents. The scent invites your senses of smell and taste to take notice and wait with much anticipation for the sweetness to cross your lips. The gift of nature sits lightly on your tongue, its surface tension releases as it warms. The hint of butter dances a ballet, and softly lingers in your mouth. The sweetness descends. Your eyes close — and the smile emerges.

Of course, after my eyes opened, I made a rather loud remark. I am sure if you imagine how you might react to tasting your first honey harvest, a harvest you began anticipating more than a year ago, you will have an idea of my expression…Yeah, it’s really that good.

Please visit the Beaufort County Beekeepers website for to learn more about honeybees and beekeeping: https://sites.google.com/site/beaufortcountybeekeepers.

Tom Garcia is the president of Beaufort County Beekeepers Association.