Big Moments of 2025
- Marianne Gee
- Jan 1
- 4 min read
As we step into a new year, it’s fun to look back on everything 2025 held for Gees Bees. In January, we marked a major milestone, 10 years in business, and reflected on where we started, the bees that changed our lives, and the incredible community that has grown alongside us. What followed over the rest of the year was a continuation of that story, a year filled with buzzing activity at the farm, in our stores, and out in the community. Here’s a look back on 2025.
Winter: Planning, Reflection, and Big Ideas
2025 began quietly, as winter often does at the farm, while the bees stayed nestled inside their hives under a blanket of snow. Behind the scenes, winter is when we slow down just enough to plan, reflect, and prepare for the season ahead.
Beekeeping classes through our sister store, Ottawa Beekeeping Supplies, were planned, equipment was ordered, and the bees rested while we laid the groundwork for a busy year to come. It was also a time to enjoy winter moments with family, share our love of honey through the honey shop, and appreciate the stillness that makes spring feel even sweeter.
Spring: New Life and Fresh Energy
Spring always brings a renewed sense of excitement, and 2025 was filled with Easter gifts, our Mother’s Day for the Queen Bee event, beekeeping classes, baby chicks, and the familiar buzz of anticipation as the season truly got underway.
At the farm, the plum and apple trees erupted in glorious white blossoms buzzing with bees, just in time for our first event of the season, Mother’s Day for the Queen Bee. It was perfect weather for bee demonstrations, strolling the farm, and enjoying the first ice cream of the season.
In the Instagram video shown here, I share the first dandelion bloom of the year, a moment beekeepers always look forward to. Unfortunately, the weather quickly turned cold and rainy, and the bees stayed inside their hives, missing much of this highly anticipated bloom. Conditions were so poor that we had to feed some of our colonies at the end of May, which is very rare.
Summer: The Heart of the Season
Summer is when everything comes together. As the weather improved, the clover bloom brought a strong nectar flow for honey production. Our annual Hive Share Bee Days once again became a highlight of June, giving Hive Share members the chance to gather, learn about bees, ask questions, and celebrate the start of the beekeeping season together.
We were also thrilled to partner with the Canadian Museum of Nature to care for the honeybees living in their observation hive.
In June, we hosted the grand opening of our Ice Cream Stand, and we were honoured to receive recognition from the City of Ottawa for our 10 year anniversary. Throughout the summer, we welcomed hundreds of guests to the farm through our See the Bees tours.
The gardens were full, the bees were busy, and the ice cream stand became a gathering place for families, tourists, and locals looking to slow down and enjoy something sweet. These simple, joyful moments are at the heart of what Gees Bees is all about.
A New Chapter Downtown
One of the biggest milestones of 2025 was opening our downtown location at 531A Sussex Drive, Ottawa. Creating a space to share our story with both locals and visitors from around the world was a meaningful step for our family business.
We kicked off the grand opening by buzzing into the market as giant inflatable bees, setting the tone for a fun and memorable launch.
The new shop allowed us to showcase Canadian honeys, curated gifts, and our passion for bees in a whole new way. Seeing people discover Gees Bees for the first time, often while exploring Ottawa, has been incredibly rewarding and a reminder of how far this journey has taken us.
Fall: Harvest, Hot Honey & the Holidays
As the season shifted, our focus shifted with it. Honey was harvested, hives were prepared for winter, and the farm began to wind down, while behind the scenes our busiest season was just beginning. Fall is when we prepare for the Christmas rush, build gift collections, and launching new products.
One of the highlights of the season was the launch of our Hot Honey. It didn’t take long for it to find its place in our customers’ kitchens, loved for its balance of sweetness and gentle heat. We enjoyed seeing how people used it, drizzled over cheese boards and appetizers, on pizza and roasted vegetables, and tucked into gift boxes for the holidays.
Looking Ahead
2025 reinforced what we have always believed. Beekeeping is about patience, learning, and respect for the natural rhythms around us. So is building a business.
As we look ahead, we're excited for what’s to come, new ideas, new experiences, and new opportunities to connect with you. Whether you visit us at the farm, stop by the Sussex shop, join a tour, or enjoy a jar of honey at home, we are grateful to have you as part of the hive.
From our family to yours, thank you for being part of our journey.
Here’s to another year of learning, growing, and celebrating the magic of bees together.
Marianne & Matt Gee
Gees Bees Honey Company 🐝🍯
