How did two kids raised in Columbus and Gahanna grow up into sustainable agriculture farmers and beekeepers with a beeyard of over 200 hives? Well, if you ask Greg and Susan Burns of Nature’s Image Farm, it all started with a love of gardening and blossomed into so much more.
“Susan and I are many generations removed from farming,” said Greg Burns Jr. “Early on, our love of gardening, nature, and pollinators called to us, birthing a passion into sustainable agriculture and beekeeping. As we gained experience on the farm, our vision for the future become clearer, helping to guide our journey into beekeeping.”
Now, the duo raise their family of seven children on a small family farm in Zanesville alongside multiple garden beds, chickens, livestock, and, of course, the bees. With over 200 hives, what started as a hobby and fun addition to the homestead is now a main feature of Nature’s Image Farm. Their children are invested alongside their parents in caring for the bees, building hives, and more.
The Burns’ wouldn’t have it any other way.
“Our mission is to teach and learn meaningful life skills alongside our seven children and to continue the tradition of passing down the old ways,” said Greg.
Educating and supporting current and future beekeepers is a large part of their farm’s mission, alongside supplying bees and beehives to the community.
“Susan and I were high school sweethearts and started building a life together right away,” Greg said. “Before farming, Susan worked as a medical assistant by day, finding her joy and purpose in life raising a family, gardening, and teaching our kids. In the early years, I played around Columbus in bands, swept floors, and even delivered potato chips to grocery stores before starting the small business we operate to this day.”
The name of their farm, Nature’s Image Farm, is a reminder to the Burns of their values and goals as farmers and beekeepers.
“It’s important for us to embrace and practice the art of working with nature rather than against her,” said Greg. “We believe that nature is the best teacher. Farming in nature’s image allows us to care for the land and ourselves in a sustainable manner for generations to come.”
Nature’s Image Farm has become a resource for Central Ohio beekeepers, along with beekeepers all around the state and country. Located in Zanesville, the couple values the support and connection to the Central Ohio community.
“Being born and raised in the Columbus/Gahanna area, staying connected to our family and local community has always been important,” Greg said. “Moving out to Zanesville has given us the opportunity to have access to farmland while still in close proximity to the greater Columbus area.”
With a podcast, social media presence and online store, Nature’s Image Farm and the Burns’ are quickly becoming an important resource for beekeepers. Gardeners, environmentalists, and homesteaders are concerned about declining bee numbers around the world and curious about beekeeping, and the Burns know that mentoring and support are important tools for both beginner and experienced beekeepers, and offer support and guidance to ensure keepers’ hives will take flight year after year.
Generous with both advice and humor, the Burns are passionate about building up declining bee populations and supporting their community.
“Our greatest joy on farm is helping facilitate positive experiences thru beekeeping,” Greg said. “Making a difference in the lives of people and encouraging folks along the way has been such a blessing to us. These little bugs in a box have helped so many folks mentally, physically, and even spiritually. Working with veterans, mentoring ‘newbees,’ and seeing the positive impact beekeeping can make have been our greatest reward.”
The Burns engage in and lead an active online community of beekeepers of all experience levels, including a YouTube channel under their farm name and podcast, The Contrary Beekeepers Show. Their online farm store offers many of the supplies you need to get started as a beekeeper in Central Ohio.
“Our bees and supplies are in the hands of beekeepers all across Ohio,” said Greg. “Beekeepers all over, like Dan Bokros from Red Dog Ranch, have their honey, wax, health, and beauty products available at farmers markets, bakeries, and local shops like Pure Roots in Westerville.”
The Burns are excited about the community they have built and to see how it will it continue to grow.
“It is our goal for Nature’s Image Farm to continue making a difference in our community while being a lighthouse to others and encouraging folks to ‘bee the change’ they want to see in this world,” said Greg. “We look forward to a future together with the bees, beekeepers, and community developing relationships that are mutually beneficial in a healthy, sustainable, and resilient way.”
For more information, visit naturesimagefarm.com.
