Honey Paddle

Make sure not to overlook “A Taste of the McKenzie River” on your next journey upriver. Honey Paddle Farm has captured the curiosity of those passing by and delighted the senses of visitors throughout the summer. Specializing in cut-flowers, floral pumpkins, and honey, Honey Paddle is a local farm owned by Amber and Brian Jackson, who are entering their fifth growing season. You can find honey varietals, such as McKenzie River Blossom and Bee’s Friend Phacelia Honey, at The Leaburg Store and McKenzie Feed & Tackle in Walterville, OR. Seasonal summer bouquets and fall floral pumpkins will also be available at these locations. “We’re thankful to our local McKenzie business partners for showcasing our honey and flower bouquets. Their support has allowed us to maintain a consistent supply of honey for our customers throughout the year.”

Honey Paddle’s harvest begins in late spring with a selection of specialty tulips and concludes in the fall with fancy floral pumpkins. The area brightens in the spring, and the beauty continues with the addition of thousands of sunflowers, gladiolus, and other flowers ready for picking in the summer. For those interested in bouquets, consider Honey Paddle’s three-week flower subscription, which includes options like double tulips, gladiolus, or dahlias. If you enjoy picking flowers, keep an eye out for Honey Paddle’s monthly u-pick events this summer, with dates to be announced on their website and social media.

The Jacksons began beekeeping in 2018 and soon sought farm property to manage their hives and cultivate flowers. They found their ideal spot just minutes from their home. “We saw the property on our way into Springfield and knew it would be the perfect setting for Honey Paddle Farm.” Since the Jacksons succession plant their property with over 50 varieties of cut flowers, they keep a consistent summer supply available for both their you-pick and flower CSA customers. “Since then, we have been incredibly thankful for the response from our honey-loving community,” Amber says. They plan on growing Honey Paddle by adding more honey and flower cart locations in the future. Plus, they promise to have a couple of surprises in store for the upcoming season. “All the credit for our delicious McKenzie River Blossom Honey goes to Honey Paddle’s hardworking bees,” Brian says. Honey Paddle Farm is open seasonally for monthly u-pick flower events starting in July, until fall. Visit the farm, during events, for honey tasting and flower picking - from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at 39920 McKenzie Hwy. in Walterville. You can follow them @honeypaddle on FaceBook or Instagram, or email [email protected].

Where does the honey come from? Each year, the Honey Paddle’s signature release of McKenzie River Blossom Honey is produced from the blackberry honey flow and a variety of cover crops and cut-flower blooms grown at the farm.

Phacelia is a honey-producing cover crop the Jacksons have grown for a couple of years as forage for their bees - and as an added benefit - also improves the soil health on the farm. Last year, their bees traveled to pollinate a field of phacelia and they were able to harvest a second varietal. Pop of Phacelia honey, they say, “has all the warm notes of blackberries and a flavor bursting with phacelia floral notes.” During the peak of harvest, bees can be dancing on the majestic purple blooms of the field of phacelia.