As the days get longer, and the temperatures rise, the world on the farm gets ready for what lies ahead. 

Those unfurling moments of time between spring; the groggy, vulnerable, shivering moments when the natural world emerges from a cold hibernation, with increasing velocity become perhaps the best part of the year—early summer. Each day as the sun’s rays get stronger, longer and more direct in the bath of warmth and rejuvenation, the plants, insects, animals and humans all take stock in what the next season has in store. Every corner and facet of Marstons Mills’ Homestead Farm reflect the transition and preparation the entire eco-system employs to ready itself for the hot season to come.

“Everything is buzzing,” owner Joan Spiegel confirms. Her terminology is appropriate given that she and her partner Russell Giammarco are enthusiastic and accomplished beekeepers. Spiegel says that after wintering over in their hives, the bees are actively working, like well, busy bees. “They are out looking for pollen sources. Now is the time of year they are raising babies to get them ready for the busy summer season. The flowering fruit trees; cherry, pear, even ornamentals, are all good sources of pollen. The willows are a really, really big source as well,” Spiegel explains. Giammarco finishes her thought as he adds, “Now is the most active time because the weather is good, it isn’t too hot.”