Author Archives: c ben-iesau

January 4th: The Trolley Question

“I’m a fun father, but not a good father. The hard decisions always went to my wife.” ~John Lithgow Many of you are probably familiar with the Trolley Question, an ethical quandary first posited in the 1960s regarding right and wrong, and taking action (or not) for the greater good. The scenario goes like this:Continue reading “January 4th: The Trolley Question”

January 3rd: WWOOF

“If I’m ever reborn, I want to be a gardener – there’s too much to do for one lifetime.” ~ Karl Foerster Before Big Branch Apiary we lived in a suburb on the outskirts of New Orleans. It was a lovely house that backed up to the Mississippi River and had a second-story balcony acrossContinue reading “January 3rd: WWOOF”

January 2nd: Hangry and armed with a Stinger

“The bee is domesticated but not tamed.” ~ William Longgood A week and a half ago I put out a feeder to see if the bees were hungry. Also a week and a half ago the Gulf Coast hadn’t plunged into sub-freezing temps. Though a lesser version of their summer splendor, flowers were still bloomingContinue reading “January 2nd: Hangry and armed with a Stinger”

January 1st: Have a Plan

“You will either step forward into growth, or you will step backward into safety.” ~ Abraham Maslow In 2020 my husband and I purchased what would become Big Branch Apiary, roughly 46 acres of dense, ancient forest nestled against a wildlife refuge an hour’s drive north from New Orleans. Within two years of purchasing theContinue reading “January 1st: Have a Plan”

December 31st: closure & reflection

“Nature, to be commanded, must be obeyed.”   ~Francis Bacon There is a rhythm, a reliable cycle to life and I believe that nowhere is it more apparent than it is on a farm. And though Nature sometimes acts up–like last week’s temperatures that bounced around the low 20s and mid-30s for days; like a rainContinue reading “December 31st: closure & reflection”

Open , but by “appointment”

The blueberry season was a bit short, likely due to the heat but we still have lots of local honey and plenty of fresh eggs. Someone is usually at the farm but before you make the drive, check in just in case we’re not manned. You can call or text 985-422-0880 to make arrangements forContinue reading “Open , but by “appointment””

We’re open…

…in spite of the heat, rain, deer flies, & state “bird” we’re open every Tuesday & Saturday, or by appointment, until the blueberry harvest is done. Right now the bushes are LOADED! We also have eggs, and honey–raw, local, pure–pulled from the hives this week. See you on the farm!

Open 4 Biz!

Big Branch Apiary will finally open for picking this Saturday, June 4th, 2022. Today we picked blueberries in real quantities. It took three of us an hour to pick two gallons. Advertised hours have changed: we’ll open 7:00 AM – 4:00 PM Saturdays & Tuesdays. It’s highly recommended you call or text us at 985-422-0880Continue reading “Open 4 Biz!”