Fifty Years of Flight
The Story Behind DP Wildflower Honey
Just seventeen miles south of the bustling Provo Farmers Market, in the quiet stretches of Payson, Utah, a lifelong obsession began with a simple chore.
“My dad and I were checking fence when I was just a teenager,” David recalls, leaning back in his booth at Pioneer Park. “We found a swarm of bees in a tree. He knew exactly what to do with them. We went out that same day and got all the equipment.”
Incredibly, some of that very same equipment is still in use today—50 years later. What started as a single rescued colony has grown into a local legacy. Because David and his wife, Pam, keep their roots (and their hives) so close to home, the Provo Farmers Market has officially branded DP Wildflower Honey as "Certified Local." It’s a badge of honor that represents half a century of dedication to the Utah landscape.
The Great Migration
While David’s home base is in Payson, his bees are seasoned travelers. To keep the colonies healthy and active during the harshest Utah months, they spend the winter in Marysville, California.
But as soon as the Utah snow begins to melt and the first yellow heads of dandelions poke through the soil, the bees come home. “They come back right as the dandelions are coming on,” David says. “They love them.” This early spring bloom provides the foundation for the "Wildflower" namesake, resulting in a honey that captures the specific, fleeting essence of the local season.
A Peek Inside the Hive
To talk to David is to realize that beekeeping isn’t just a business; it’s a front-row seat to one of nature’s most intricate performances. When David pulls a frame from a colony, he isn’t just looking for honey—he’s watching a community at work.
“You see the bees doing so many different things,” he says with a smile. “You have some being born—they’re these hairy little things when they first come out. You find the queen, and she’s either running because she hasn’t seen light in months, or she’s laying eggs. There are bees that take care of her, groom her, and guard her. They all have their jobs. It’s amazing how they all work together.”
More Than Just Honey
If you’ve visited the DP Wildflower Honey booth, you’ve likely seen their signature "baby bears" wearing tiny, colorful hats. What started as a whimsical touch has turned into a collector’s item for regular shoppers.
“We get in different types of hats,” David explains. “It’s amazing how people notice. They’ll walk by and say, ‘Oh my goodness, you have two new hats in now!’ I barely recognize the difference myself, but the customers catch it immediately.”
It’s that level of connection that keeps David and Pam making the short drive from Payson to Pioneer Park week after week. While they’ve sold their honey in various markets, they put Provo at the top of the list.
“Every farmers market has its own personality,” David says. “The people here are just awesome. They’re friendly, they’re curious, and it’s just a hoot to work with them.”
Where to find them
Look for the "baby bears" and the golden jars of DP Wildflower Honey every Saturday at the Provo Farmers Market. Whether you're looking for local pollen relief or just a sweet taste of a 50-year tradition, David and Pam have a story (and a jar) waiting for you.
