By Isabella Zarate
Bee fans and honey lovers get excited. There is a new business coming to Mahomet.
In what started out as a hobby, Jessica Trefzger and her husband, John, moved from practicing sustainable living to providing the tools and resources consumers need to join the movement through their new business “Maple Street Garden.”
Starting a business during the 2020 pandemic wasn’t ideal timing, though. Trefzger began small, a “garden-stand pop up” that could be found at different farmers’ markets.
Now, that hobby has transformed into so much more.
“Maple Street Garden” gave Trefzger the opportunity to sell products from her garden, as well as recipes that align with the day’s produce options. She claims that this is one of her attempts to promote the “garden-to-table movement.”
As the duo began to prepare for the pop-ups, they found themselves doing a lot of gardening, and with that, they learned more about what it meant to become “sustainable and supporting pollinators.”
“We decided to start three beehives, which quickly grew to 15,” Trefzger exclaimed.
And so came “The Hive” by Maple Street Garden,” a storefront, which will open in Sangamon on Main in December.
The local shop will provide locally produced honey, beeswax products, candles, soaps, gardening items, merchandise, and more. The new store will also feature locally-made sustainable and nature-related gifts, decor, and even dog treats and products.
And on a few special occasions a couple of times a year when there will be in-house honey processing, Trefzger plans to bring local vendor pop-ups into the store.
Additionally, they will offer a variety of activities varying from nature and sustainability classes to beekeeping, canning, and even at-home kombucha brewing lessons.
Different activities will be targeted toward kids and adult groups.
“Prices will vary: most of the kids’ activities will be offered for free or very low cost. Adult classes will range from $5-$15.”
The Hives grand opening is scheduled for November 27 from 10 am to 6 pm.
Patrons can expect free gifts with every purchase, some honey-inspired treats, and a limited supply of “Bounty Boxes” filled with several types of honey and beeswax products, perfect to sample for preference or to share as gifts for the holidays.
To find out more information about The Hive visit Maple Street Garden on Facebook or Instagram.
