A reflection from Paisley Honey on learning beekeeping through a complete Scottish season, and the old tradition of passing a first colony onwards.

The garden is not solemn. It is not holding back out of respect for human sorrow. The nasturtiums are moving in the breeze. The flowers are opening. The green things are reaching over edges and filling spaces. The bees are working with their usual impossible urgency, and in the apiary, colonies are dividing and beginning again.

Bees are far more varied than many of us realise. When we say “bee”, most people picture either the familiar honey bee or a soft, stripy bumblebee moving sleepily from flower to flower. But the bee world is much wider than that. There are mining bees, mason bees, leafcutter bees, furrow bees, carpenter bees, flower bees, nomad bees and many more. Some live in hives. Many do not. Some nest in the ground, some in hollow stems, some in old walls, and some cut perfect little circ

At Paisley Honey, we know that ordering handcrafted treasures and raw Scottish honey from overseas can sometimes feel daunting — especially when it comes to customs, tariffs, and hidden fees. That’s why we’ve made it simple: We prepay all U.S. customs, tariffs, and duties for you.When you place your order, the price you see is the price you pay — nothing more, nothing unexpected. Why We Do It We’re passionate about sharing our Scottish heritage, handcrafted rosaries, and pure

Saint Isidore the Farmer, also known as Isidore the Laborer, is a deeply revered figure in the Catholic Church, celebrated as the patron saint of farmers and laborers. His life offers a profound testament to the integration of faith and work, a theme that resonates with many, especially those who labor in physically demanding and essential roles. As we explore the life of Saint Isidore, we find a model of humility, devotion, and dedication to both his work and his faith—a pow

A practical UK guide to winter oxalic-acid treatment: monitor Varroa, confirm brood conditions, use an authorised product and follow its label exactly.

Learn how hive scales help Scottish beekeepers track stores, nectar flow and swarming signals, with safe interpretation, records and inspection limits.

The Scottish Highlands, with their rugged landscapes and pristine forests, offer an enchanting realm for nature enthusiasts and culinary adventurers. Among the treasures hidden in these misty woodlands is the golden delight of chanterelle mushrooms. Renowned for their exquisite flavor and vibrant color, chanterelles are a prized culinary find. This blog post is your guide to the art of foraging for chanterelles in the heart of Scotland, a journey that celebrates the harmoniou

Explore native British bluebells, their woodland history and folklore, how to distinguish Spanish and hybrid plants, and what the law protects.

In the ever-evolving landscape of modern agriculture, the quest for sustainable and eco-friendly solutions to boost crop yields while minimising environmental impact has become paramount. Enter seaweed fertilizer, a natural marvel of the oceanic world that has garnered increasing attention in recent years. Harnessing the power of seaweed as a fertilizer offers not only a sustainable alternative to synthetic chemicals but also a plethora of benefits for both crops and the envi

"Autumn is a second spring when every leaf is a flower." - Albert Camus September in Scotland is a time when the garden begins to transition from the lush green growth of summer to the golden hues of fall. While the warmer months may be behind us, there is still plenty to do in the garden to ensure it is looking its best as the leaves start to change colour. Here are some tips on what to plant and what to do in your garden this September in Scotland. Plant bulbs for spring No

With thanks to Emma Croft at GetGardening.info for this guest blog on edible landscapes. Turn your green space into a feast for the eyes and the palate by creating an edible landscape. With the right selection of grasses, plants, and eco-friendly tactics, you can fashion a beautiful, functional garden that's a joy to behold and to eat from. Not only will you enjoy the visual and culinary delights of your edible landscape, but you'll also reap the benefits of growing your own

In the symphony of nature's orchestra, the humble bee plays an indispensable role, orchestrating the pollination of plants that sustains our global food web. In recent years, however, the harmonious hum of these essential pollinators has faced discord due to habitat loss, pesticide exposure, and other human-induced challenges. The need of the hour is to transform our gardens into sanctuaries of support, where the buzz of bees is not only welcomed but celebrated. Embarking on

In the enchanting world of cottage gardens, the fragrant allure of herbs has graced the senses for generations. As the sun-dappled blooms and verdant foliage flourish, so does the opportunity to preserve their essence through the ancient practice of herb drying. This exploration unveils the art of drying herbs from a cottage garden, revealing the secrets to harnessing their culinary and medicinal potency, and the journey from garden to pantry. A Botanical Symphony: Embracing

Honey bees are fascinating creatures that are known for their remarkable ability to travel long distances in search of food. Did you know that a single honey bee colony can travel up to 6 km (3.7 miles) from its hive to collect food? But the real question is, how do these tiny insects navigate such long distances and find their way back home? Let's start with the "waggle dance." This is a special dance performed by foraging bees that communicates the location, distance, and q

Scotland is known for its diverse and unique wildlife, but in recent years, a number of invasive animal species have become a major threat to the country's native ecosystems and wildlife. In this blog post, we'll take a closer look at the five most invasive animals in Scotland and the impacts they're having on the environment. American signal crayfish (Pacifastacus leniusculus) The American signal crayfish is a non-native species of crayfish that was introduced to Scotland in

For centuries, the folklore surrounding rowan trees has revolved around their alleged power to repel evil spirits and protect against malevolent forces. This blog post embarks on an enchanting journey through history, delving into the origins and cultural significance of this belief. Discover the mystical allure of rowan trees, their symbolic association with protection, and how this age-old tradition has transcended generations, weaving a tapestry of myth and superstition th

Nature holds an abundance of medicinal treasures, and one such gem is St. John's Wort (Hypericum perforatum). Revered for centuries for its healing properties, this vibrant yellow flower has long been used in traditional medicine. In this blog post, we delve into the remarkable health benefits of St. John's Wort. From its potential as a natural antidepressant to its soothing effects on the skin, St. John's Wort proves to be a versatile and valuable herbal remedy. Join us as w

In the pursuit of profound meditation, nature offers a treasure trove of allies: herbs and plants with transformative properties. Throughout history, cultures worldwide have harnessed the power of botanicals to enhance focus, relaxation, and spiritual connection. In this blog post, we embark on an enchanting journey exploring the herbs and plants that can aid in meditation. Discover the sacred essence of lavender, the calming presence of chamomile, the grounding force of sage

August is a time of bountiful harvests and late-summer blooms in Scotland, making it a great time to enjoy your garden. Whether you're relaxing in the sun, admiring the flowers, or simply enjoying the great outdoors, there's plenty to keep you busy this month. So, let's get started! When it comes to planting, August is a great time to add some bulbs to your garden. These are plants that will bloom next spring and summer, adding colour and interest to your garden for years to