Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary

Spikenard Farm is an invaluable resource for conscious beekeeping! Their webinars are highly informative with alternate solutions to partner with the honeybees outside of conventional beekeeping. They are extremely generous with their time and knowledge allowing plenty of time for Q & A from the participants joined from all over the world ,as well as providing wonderful resources and handouts for reference. As a new beekeeper, I have listened to the recordings over and over again, each time refreshing my learning. The best learning for stewarding honey bees in harmony with nature.

Spikenard Farm may well be "one of a kind" . They certainly care a lot about honeybees and the environment, and have a wonderful way of teaching beekeeping. This morning we took part in the first installment of a 4 part course on beginning beekeeping.

We've been keeping bees for 20 years and still learned (and relearned) a lot. Alex has a great teaching style and has a thoughtful, common sense message about the bees and our role as beekeepers.

We'll definitely be back next week!

Spikenard is a truly transformative organization that is helping us to forge viable and healing futures amidst climate change. Thank you for the education you offer on the honeybee, plants, and biodynamic agriculture! The world is better for your work.

Just completed another absolutely wonderful Webinar on the respectful care of the Honeybee! So full of good practical information and incredible insight...! And Alex is an excellent teacher! These Webinars are absolutely invaluable to learn and be supported in Biodynamic Beekeeping from a distance.
What Gunther has created with the Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary is unlike anything else I've seen or heard of! And so very necessary for our world today. I was fortunate to attend one of the first Beekeeping Courses at the Sanctuary, near its inception a decade or more ago, and can't wait to return. The amazing progress, development and outreach that has ensued is a fitting tribute to this most worthy and needed Nonprofit.
Sharon Hurt

The beauty of the Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary will always remain with me. I aspire to take care of the land and the bees in a manner similar to the care taken at Spikenard. I had the pleasure of attending a weeklong workshop for teachers in the summer of 2019 that touched me deeply. Many of the conversations I shared confirmed a deep respect for all species of bees including the honeybee. The lessons and the Spikenard philosophy surrounding caring for these animals resonated deeply with me. One of the few bright spots of the COVID-19 pandemic is that I can attend more Spikenard offerings using modern technology connecting me to a wonderful community of people who care deeply for the planet. Thank you for helping me "bee" a better caretaker of the bees. I look forward to many more opportunities to continue my learning.

Alex Tuchman and Gunther Hauk are excellent teachers. I am a novice beekeeper and find that too often my beekeeping club-members speak in such shorthand that I am unable to benefit from their experience or advice. This information in this presentation - Biodynamic Pest Management for Beekeepers- was very available and understandable to me as a beginner and I feel certain I will apply much of what I have learned here. I will want to watch the presentations about top bar hive beekeeping. Thank you.
P.S. not sure if I should select "client served' or 'member of the public'...but this webinar was excellent!

I visited Spikenard Farm in 2014 and it was a place filled with beauty and enchantment centered around bees. Staff was knowledgable and welcoming.
Today I was able to attend their top bar beekeeping webinar and it was filled with good information for beginners and seasoned beekeepers to care for bees naturally.

"The real voyage of discovery consists not in seeking new landscapes but in having new eyes." ~ Marcel Proust.

This is the profound and deeply moving mission that underlies everything the folks at Spikenard Farm and Honeybee Sanctuary try to accomplish with their loving partners the honeybees. The bees are the protagonist in the sanctuary's goal to awaken us all to the fact that the Earth and all Her biological systems are on life support. As the canary in the coal mine the bees are the carrier of this message. I have taken three of the four parts of PRINCIPLES AND PRACTICES OF BIODYNAMIC BEEKEEPING. Learning the art and science of beekeeping from Alex Tuchman and Gunther Hauk gives one the conscious awareness that a new way of seeing our relationship to bees is of utmost importance if we are to help them and the whole earth survive. They accomplish this by thoroughly covering every aspect of biodynamic beekeeping in order for one, then, to become a successful beekeeper. I have kept honeybees for 20 years and this is the best training course I have ever taken. ~Graham Hawks

My husband and I have been beekeepers for nearly a decade and have had some success in getting honey, but very little in keeping bees. In fact, our desires and outlooks for beekeeping clashed and eventually we both almost gave up due to lack of shared vision and our inability to keep bees in our hives. Some died. Most left.
This year we decided to commit to attending all 3 weekends of Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping. After just one weekend we have connected so deeply with a shared vision of not only how to best support the bees but also how best to make our land even more rich and beautiful and welcoming for pollinators.
There are so many good things to share about how Gunter, Vivian, and Alex teach and connect with each person in the course that I'm not sure I can say even a small portion of them. They are clear, approachable, reverent, dedicated, and willing to connect and to answer questions. They all know Steiner's work deeply and practice the principles daily.
So much gratitude. If you can go, GO!

Wonderful program run by incredibly knowledgeable, welcoming, and wise teachers! This organization is doing important work not only in beekeeping, but also in environmental education.

I traveled from New Hampshire to Virginia to enroll in Spikenard's beginner beekeeping course as an introduction to Biodynamic Beekeeping. Being a Honey Bee Biology teacher in our club Bee School, adult education course teacher on honey bees, and area lecturer on Honey Bee Family Dynamics to the general public, I was looking for an example of teaching a very complex subject to novices. Alex did not disappoint. The elegance in his presentations added to the mood that Alex, Vivian & Gunter created for learning in each session. It was an experience I hope to try and implement in my own teaching. The weather was very poor yet we went out into the gardens to see the beehives. The garden plan reflected a thoughtful, integrated environment of health for living things, the placement and diversity of hives were also in harmony with some recently published scientific studies on apiary layout. I was beyond impressed and hope to make my way back to Spikenard for more insights into Biodynamic Beekeeping in the future.

The inspirational people at Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary have a deep understanding about the needs of the vanishing bees. We learned many bee-keeping practices that will help the bees flourish and protect these pollinators for future generations. The bee conference was a great balance of inspiration and down-to-earth practicality.

I have been a part of a lot the educational programs that are offered at Spikenard and have enjoyed volunteering on Fridays when I can to help out in the gardens for the past 3-4 years years. I have never been disappointed. The quality classes that are offered at Spikenard are top notch! These workshops have taught me so much. I am truly forever grateful to have learned from Gunther, Alex, and Vivian. They are world renowned teachers in their field and am looking forward to going back to learning more from them.

I attended the Continuing Educational Retreat for Waldorf Teachers and Parents in the summer of 2018. I stayed overnight at the Sanctuary as a camper while I attended the workshop. The workshop really did far exceed my expectations: it was well organized, and the material was presented clearly and understandably. I learned much more than I thought possible in the short time frame of the conference. We were also given an opportunity to work directly with the bees, which was an amazing experience. What was impressive to me was the fine balance Spikenard was able to strike between giving us the opportunity to work with the bees while also respecting the needs of the hive. The group atmosphere fostered by the workshop was incredible. I made some good friends from all over the world. My experience camping was also pleasant. The campsite was surprisingly cool even in the middle of the summer (it was like magic!), the bunk house (bathroom, showers, place to store food and make tea) was clean and fresh. In short, I have been recommending Spikenard since my time there, and I will continue to do so. My experience there was quite special, and I hope that many others have the opportunity to spend quality time with the bees.

Spikenard is a dream come true! As more education is focused on bringing lessons from our earth and the special task of the honeybee weaving together life, Spikenard is a pioneer in making that happen. The experience there will enrich any farmer/gardener/beekeeper or educator's understanding of our individual responsibility toward the honeybee. There are some teachers whose wisdom rings clear into your soul and the teachers at Spikenard all carry and share that. A seminar or workshop there is not to be missed. You will hold gratitude for it long after.

The course in Biodynamics was well beyond my expectations. Alex and Gunter shared their immense knowledge from both their minds and their hearts. The course was thoughtfully planned out with a great balance of classroom and hands on experiences. It was a rich and rewarding course. Not only did I gain knowledge and understanding of biodynamic practices, but I felt I had a spiritual experience.

I just finished a four all-day-class program on beekeeping at this gorgeous sanctuary and it made me want to live there. The love and respect for, and deep knowledge of, bees is evident everywhere. The teaching was focused and competent, as well as lively and imbued with humor. I learned a lot and had a good time doing it. I cannot think of a learning experience I could recommend more highly- it was perfect.

Thank you for all you have done.
I feel profoundly changed from my experience at Spikenard Bee Sanctuary. Your deep understanding of the needs of bees has significantly changed my management of bees and will strongly influence the manner I choose to bring the teaching of bee-keeping to my students and community.
I believe the approach employed by the Spikenard Sanctuary is probably the best in the world. I do hope I can return from Australia to Floyd next summer for a follow-up training.
Michael Rowland. Tasmania Australia.

I attended a four-day workshop about Waldorf Schools and the honeybee. Everything about the time there was fabulous: Most important, the people were knowledgeable, kind, gentle, and generous of time, material and spirit; the sanctuary was imbued with a sense of peace, generosity and productivity, because of the bees and the people who care for them; the bees were amazing; the learning environment was safe, open and fertile, allowing participants to exchange ideas freely and productively and to experience unmediated the purpose of the place; the course was well thought-out and organized; the campgrounds were easy to use, with a bathroom and kitchen nearby; the interns were happy and joyful; there was ease and flexibility about the entire event. I highly recommend this group — my feeling was that any money going towards Spikenard would be used efficiently and to its maximum potential, nothing wasted. Thanks!

If you want to become the type of beekeeper that aims to understand the nature of bees and works with them in a way that is respectful to all, then go to Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary. See these loving custodians and their bees in action and learn from them the very natural flow of biodynamic beekeeping. Their practices are simple and they teach them so patiently - ask them anything and you will receive the most thoughtful answers and advice.
Before taking their Principles and Practices of Biodynamic Beekeeping, my previous training can best be described as fear based. The biodynamic way is a much needed breath of fresh air - it is fearless and nourishing.
If you want to learn the best practices for working with bees from open minded, kind hearted experts, then go to Spikenard Farm. When you do go, even if you already a heart full of love and gratitude, make some room, you're about to get more!

Remarkable workshop!!! So much consciousness in how the information was shared, the hands-on activities executed, and the food served! The rhythmical way in which the theory was alternated with practical activities was very nourishing.

Rudolf Steiner, through the incredible wisdom behind each biodynamic preparation, sheds some light into what is hidden in nature, a little inkling into a mysterious and fascinating world. And the resulting preparations help strengthen the soil, plants and animals (and ultimately ourselves).

The stirring of the preparations in a bucket of water, stirring in one direction and creating a vortex, and then producing chaos by stirring in the other direction, brought forth some spontaneous songs and dances by some of the participants, which enriched the overall feeling of fraternity already there.

If I could, I will give this workshop many more stars.
Gunther, Vivian and Alex form an unbeatable team!!!

I thoroughly enjoyed the weekend at the bee farm. Alex and Gunther were very informative, and their talks were easily understandable. They also answered all questions that we had. Also, had a great time making the preps! I plan to make my own next year. I had read some books on biodynamics, so I was familiar with it; but the hands on experience was well worth coming to the class. Thank you! Roger Walker

I recently took part in a one week beekeeping course at Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary. What a gift!
Clearly the honeybees are at the heart of the Sanctuary team's work, but this is a place where ALL life is respected, and guided to thrive. It's a place bursting with life and vitality. A place I left feeling inspired, hopeful, and engaged with a strong commitment to take action to do my part in contributing to the honeybee's well being.
The three teachers were exceptional: seeing them interacting with the bees with such respect, skill and grace was magical. They were extremely informative, practical, and have a underlying holistic view of the bees which makes the content of what they were teaching so meaningful. Their joy and humour was contagious.
Their work is so essential. It is vital. And incredibly beautiful. For the bees, and for us all.

My class at Spikenard was an unforgettable combination of wonderful information, inspiring hands-on work, and the company of caring and devoted teachers and class members. The facilities are wonderful, and the peace and beauty of the sanctuary is deeply renewing. I would recommend any of their programs and look forward to visiting again soon.

The wonderful team at Spikenard shared so much of the Honeybee Sanctuary and themselves with us that leaving was bittersweet. We were so excited to go forth and put into practice the principles and new skills we learned, but we also wanted to stay to spend more time with the bees. The logistics of camping, eating, daily schedule were exquisitely attended to (lovely camp spots, very clean & welcoming bathhouses/facilities; fresh, local and prepared with love lunches and snacks that fueled us through the day; and a daily balance of work, learning & time to reflect. The information shared is invaluable - from honeybees, to beekeeping to biodynamic farming...they not only shared their knowledge in the classroom, but also gave us daily hands-on experiences with the bees and in the gardens. We look forward to returning to experience another session in the future.

I took a one week dee keeping and biodynamic class taught by the wonderful people at Spikenard. Each day we had lectures by thoughtful and knowledgable staff on all aspects of beekeeping, bees, and biodynamics. We experienced the sanctuary in an intimate way. We visited hives and examined the internal life of the bee in its hive. we captured and installed 2 swarms during our stay. We did hands on activities to understand biodynamic techniques and preparations to enliven the soil of the farm. We were provided wonderful lunches prepared by the staff that were simple and wonderful. Fresh bread, soup, main dish and desert were served each day. I cannot speak highly enough about my experience and what I was able to learn in my time at the sanctuary. This is a very special place that I encourage any person interested in learning about what they can to do help our environment and bees to attend.

We attended a beekeeping and gardening workshop/retreat at the Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary in May 2017. The experience greatly exceeded our expectations. The grounds and facilities are beautifully maintained. We were warmly welcomed by all of the staff and interns. The creative learning/working environment is nourishing and uplifting. The (yummy) meals and snacks are made with ingredients fresh from the gardens. The mission of this organization is near and dear to our hearts - and we are so grateful for the work they are doing for the bees and the earth.

2017 will be the sixth year I have either taken courses, or volunteered, or done both at Spikenard Farm. I am a beekeeper, and I find that keeping in touch with Spikenard via classes and volunteer opportunities has deepened especially my spiritual awareness of the honeybee, changed my approach to beekeeping, and brought best beekeeping practices into my home community.

The deep integrity that characterizes Spikenard's approach is the touchstone of its practices. Strange as it may sound, this integrity begins with a pure love for the honeybee, which is freely shared with visitors; this is the base from which all its research and education arises.

Using a scientific approach to discern what is best for the honeybee, and in addition exploring the spiritual relationships between the bee, humans and other beings, and the environment from deepest soil to farthest space, creates a holism within which we learn our wholeness as humans and gives us lessons in approaching the world of creatures with humility, respect and gratitude.

In addition, Spikenard Farm is a place where human relationships based on care and service to others bloom quietly like the hidden blossoms of herbs patiently awaiting their hour to give healthful nourishment to the bee and receive the vitality of life in return. The worth of all these relationships is incalculable and may explain the fervent support for this non-profit among beekeepers, lovers of nature and biodynamic gardening enthusiasts.

As a student I experienced a wonderful balance between classroom and field experience, as well as information being taught to us while information was also free to come forth from anyone present. It is not just a sanctuary for the honeybee (although they are so happy there!) but also for the human soul and our very important connection with nature now. Help the future of the honeybee, of earth, and of the human being by contributing today.

Spikenard Farm is both a gorgeous sanctuary tucked away in the Blue ridge mountains and an agricultural school par excellence. The grounds are immaculate - the love and care that go into tending the plants and the bees clearly shows. My wife and I were there for a weekend workshop on biodynamic beekeeping, and the instruction exceeded our expectations. In addition to instruction, the farm provides starter plants and beekeeping supplies (as well as bees!) to those new to the biodynamic farming approach. To our pleasant surprise, attendees can also choose to camp on the property, and there is a clean and very functional bathhouse, with two separate facilities including shower, mini-fridge, and other amenities to make car camping a real pleasure. At the time we visited, the bee 'barn' was nearing completion, with just electrical, lighting, and interior finishing left to do. Contributions to help them finish this would be money well spent, as the 'barn' is really laid out as more of a teaching and research space, and it is beautifully designed. If you have the chance to visit and/or donate, please do, you won't regret it.

I attended a class at Spikenard and was impressed by their wonderful farm and inspired by their genuine love for and devotion to the bees. The class was informative and the hands-on activities and demonstrations added to the experience. Loved the class, the sanctuary, the people and the bees!

I have gained so much from my experience at Spikenard, it is truly an amazing place. Through my experience I have not only gained a deeper knowledge of biodynamic methods in beekeeping and gardening, but learned to see the world, especially the natural world, in a different way. The place they have created and the intentions and initiative they carry are a gift to the world.

When my son was four years old, we had an opportunity to join a small group of farm-schooled teenagers from northern Virginia who were in Floyd County to visit Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary. Prior to this visit, my son was extremely scared of any insect with wings (including the common gnat). He would become hysterical when a bee or wasp flew near to him. Our visit, in particular sitting down in the shade near the hives with Gunter and the other students, changed my son's perspective on this interesting part of nature and really cured him of his fears of flying insects. Gunter told my son exactly what he needed to do - be calm, quiet and slow when a bee or wasp came near him. Later, when my son offered to the group what he knew about wasps being aggressive, he was strengthened in his knowing as Gunter confirmed with a gentle, wise and honest humor: Yes, you are sure to be stung if you poke a big stick in a hornet's nest, so don't do that. There is something very magical about Gunter and his way, Vivian and her way, and everyone I've met working and volunteering at Spikenard Honeybee Sanctuary. Since that first visit, I have become an aspiring biodynamic gardener, we as a family are learning the methods taught at Spikenard for setting up an apiary and are overjoyed that both our hives survived our first winter together . My son who is now 7 joins us when we visits the bees and feels safe in his bee hood. He takes great care and responsibility to button everything up and tuck everything in so no bees get trapped in his clothes. We have come so far since that first visit and are eternally grateful to the spirit and wonderful people that sustain Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary with their love and hard work. A visit or workshop will surely change your life.

Spikenard Farm Honeybee Sanctuary is a true local treasure. In a time when our world is dominated by chemicals and for profit motivations it is so refreshing to visit with the good folks of Spikenard. If honey bees are to survive it will take a re-thinking of all aspects of our relationship to the environment. This farm is a living example of how to begin this re-thinking. Thank you Gunter for all you bring to the current discussion of honeybee culture and our culture as a whole.

Spikenard Farm is a treasure. Every time I visit or attend a class I leave inspired and renewed. My first visit was in 2013 for a beekeeping class. I had been searching for many years to find a more holistic way to keep bees and I found what I was looking for at Spikenard Farm. Gunther and Vivian care deeply about the world and bees are their insight into how the natural world functions. They are able to explain concepts and methods in a very understandable way and make you feel like part of the family in the process. I can't wait to go back.

Great non profit organization teaching individuals of all walks of life about essentials of life, ecology and encouraged me to look at the world in a more
wholesome way.

I cannot say enough positive things about the spikenard honeybee sanctuary and the people that work there so hard to make it possible! These people, Gunter, Alex, Vivian, and others work so hard each and every day to help teach others about the importance of the preservation of the honeybee, and what they do to better our lives not only as beekeepers, but stewards of life. Without the dedicated people and sanctuaries like spikenard, the honeybee would be in far worse shape today. I highly recommend a visit, workshop, or a simple donation! Much respect, love, and joy for Spikenard sanctuary!

The renewal of my spirit and awakening of my senses in this magical place with the Spikenard mentors were unexpected and priceless gifts. I wish everyone I know could find the time to experience a Spikenard class. It is life changing for the humans that visit, but most importantly, life saving for the honeybees who are loved and protected by this unique sanctuary.

Going to the beginner seminar for beekeeping was a great experience for me. I really love their methodology with the bees and their way of looking at our planet. I really felt that by the end of the day I had grown as a human being and I am so excited about helping the earth by keeping bees. I had a million questions and every one was answered clearly and with patience. I look forward to doing more classes at Spikenard one day and will remember the day I spent with them fondly and with gratitude.

I am relatively new to the area and interested in developing a self-sustaining life style to include gardens, orchards, vineyards and the bees to support the required pollination, not to mention the honey. I attended their introductory course which provided lots of confidence-building information and insight into the project. The staff and their farm are a treasure trove of resources for the beginner. I look forward to attending their top bar class later in the month.

Attended a one-day workshop held in the beginning of March. Both my husband and I are very new to beekeeping, and the speakers were incredibly good, approachable, and made the day very much worthwhile. The content went into much greater detail than I expected (and was very happy for the level of detail, particularly when addressing questions). They covered one particular type of hive to walk us through the course, but explained why and how other hives can be used, along with general pros/cons to consider. The tour was phenomenal, particularly in seeing how different hive types are used and maintained. Overall, a wonderful and informative group!

Spikenard Farms is a remarkable commitment to saving the honeybee. It is a sanctuary and an active learning center for others who may wish to join in this crucial endeavor. The honeybees and their stewards at Spikenard teach us of the wholeness and unity of God's created world. And it informs me of my place among the other of His creations.
Learning of the life and care of the honeybee represents a seamless blend of human aspiration: the laws of biological and physical science, the intangible interconnecting life energies, the spiritual force [God] that has engendered all.

A conservationist's dream come true! Beautiful venue, dedicated and knowledgeable people, fabulous horticulture-all promoting, fostering and sustaining the honeybee.

Spikenard Sanctuary is an excellent place where very nurturing people are totally devoted to the honeybee and its survival. They are very welcoming and are willing to share very good information about bees and sustainability .

Spikenard is a place with deep roots, spiritual and practical, balanced between earth and heaven, on the top of a mountain, serving the bees and serving humanity, in our time of need. Their respect for, honoring of, and healing of the bees is grounded and based in specific, meticulous, careful observation of each hive and their interaction with their environment. Their attention and care extends to the environment. The biodynamic principles used in tending the land will have far-reaching impact long into the future. Spikenard is a place where humanity strives to support the good of the earth and of humanity. Our participation is necessary.

I was drawn to Spikenard because I knew there was more to beekeeping than feeding them sugar water and harvesting honey. I wanted to be a steward to the bees and I learned this from Gunther, Vivian and Alex. I learned more than I anticipated about bees during my two year training. I come back every year to learn more. What a rejuvenating experience it is to return to Spikenard Sanctuary. Biodynamics is about how we can heal and improve the earth and it's creatures. You must come to Spikenard even if you are not a beekeeper.

I am continually amazed at the depth of what I learn in the presence of Gunther, Vivian and Alex. The depth of my understanding of the needs of the honey bee has transformed how I steward my bees and resulted in my bees continuing to be strong and healthy. I went to study with them thinking I would only come away with a better understanding of the honey bees and instead I have grown in my understanding of the needs of the earth, the plants the animals the pollinators and the human being. I will continue to return to deepen my understanding.

I joined my son and his class for a field trip to Spikenard farm and had a wonderful time. The farm and location are beautiful, all of the honeybee caretakers were kind, knowledgeable and helpful. The children learned a lot and had a great time. A truly inspiring endeavor.

I have had the great fortune and honor to visit Spikenard over the last two years attending the Sustainable Biodynamic Bee Keeping Training. At first glance, most people are in awe and so moved by the beauty of the site. Visitors and students are greeted by loving and open caregivers and stewards. People know they are truly welcomed to share in their common love for honeybees and nature. The element that comes thirdly is the tremendous integrity and deep deep commitment to put honey bee welfare first. The exploitation of this incredible creature goes back through our time.. New environmental pressures and current beekeeping practices are creating a situation that is dire. Spikenard is a small place but its strength is mighty and the goodness and knowledge radiating out is changing people lives as they work towards creating hope for the future of our honeybee friends. It is a true partnership with the bees. Spikenard walks the talk. Its beekeeping practices have come through active participation over many years by its founders but there are also elements of research and study which propels it forward to meet our changing times.
Salute, and may we all rise to the challenges ahead with loving hearts, clear heads and willing joined hands !

As a graduate of the first 2-year beekeeping program at Spikenard, I am continually impressed by the depth and breadth of the learning every time I visit this special place. The love and care that goes in to the Sanctuary, and all that it offers for people, plants and pollinators, is extraordinary. The atmosphere in classes is spacious, the scenery spectacular, the food nourishing, and the teaching outstanding. Gunther, Vivian, Alex and interns work tirelessly to support the honeybee, create beauty, and heal the land.

Absolutely wonderful place. I have been following this sanctuary for several years. I admire their dedication to a honeybee. I believe biodynamic beekeeping is a way to save honey bee. I am excited how many people they taught and affected via educational materials - videos, books, classes etc.

I attended a class at Spikenard and it was incredible!!! Gunther, Vivian and Alex were down to earth, kind instructors. I would recommend a visit to Spikenard for anyone interested in beekeeping, biodynamics, genuine people or beautiful scenery.

Cutting edge insight into saving the honey bee. Husband, son and I took a short beekeeping course with Gunther years ago. Have been following this good work since.

It's not easy finding someone to teach a beekeeper how to work with the bees responsibly, sustainably. Spikenard fills that niche with their warm and expert trainings. Spikenard is not static in its methods, for they are constantly evolving to help not just the honeybee, but the humans, animals, plants and the earth itself with the recognition that what affects one affects all others. I completed the two year Sustainable Beekeeping training and I return every year for workshops to learn more. I'm grateful for Gunther, Vivian, Alex and everyone at Spikenard. They help keep my hopes alive for a healing planet.

The classes offered at Spikenard are transformational. I went there to learn about bees. I left having learned about healing Earth, Soul, and Spirit. And the stewardship of bees, too, of course.

Four years ago I made a decision that would change how I think about life. I decided to become a beekeeper. Quite by accident I discovered there was a Bee Sanctuary in Virginia! Needless to say, I have taken several classes & visited Spikenard Farm many times for help and advise. To say I'm impressed with their philosophy is an understatement, they are so commented to doing their part & teaching others the importance of bees in our eco system. The staff & ongoing work with biodynamics in beekeeping have helped me so greatly which in turn helps me pass it on to my family & children. Thanks for the heartwarming work you do at Spikenard Farm.

This is a very special place where one can experience what it really is like to partner with nature, and here of course, especially the honeybee. Students taking courses at the sanctuary can learn about the intricate relationships between humans, animals and plants through practicing sustainable methods and respecting the earth and all who live upon it. For those who want to become sustainable beekeepers, in my opinion, there is no better place to learn, having the chance for hands-on experience under some of the most knowledgeable mentors and with many different types of hives. Even for those who may be more interested in just gardening or garden design, the farm is a wonderful showcase of what types of plants attract bees and native pollinators.

Spikenard is a sanctuary for bees and human healers of the earth alike. The courses and study offered there are cutting edge in that their perspective is bee-centric and human-partnering rather than a production-maximizing. After 18 years of beekeeping, I believe their approach is crucial not only for the bees, but possibly for the human race.

The staff and facilities of this honeybee sanctuary are top notch. Full time staff and interns make this honeybee sanctuary promoting sustainable and biodynamic beekeeping a fun and eye opening experience. I am enrolled in a two study under their guidance and am very happy I found these folks.