Our Farm
Home, between two lakes.
Tucked between two lakes in Lutz, Florida, Rustin Farms is our little piece of the Sunshine State. Here, the days revolve around the bees, chickens, ducks, dogs, gardens, and whatever project happens to be underway.
It's a working homestead, a place to enjoy the outdoors, and a home where there's always something growing, wandering, or needing attention.
The bee yard
The Apiary
This is where the season's work actually happens. We keep and manage our own colonies — opening the hives, reading brood and stores, and following Florida's nectar flows as they change. Early bloom, the long wildflower stretch, and the quieter months each ask something different of the bees, and of us.
Beekeeping at Rustin Farms is hands-on. It is inspection, timing, and the habit of learning something every time a box comes apart. The bee yard has become one of the defining parts of life here.
The Dawgs
The dogs are as much a part of Rustin Farms as the chickens and bees. Whether they're stretched out across the porch, following us around the property, or cooling off in the lake, they're rarely far from the action.
Around here, there's no shortage of muddy paws, wet fur, or company when there's work to be done.
Sharing the place
The ducks have their own routines — a stroll across the lawn, a little exploring, and plenty of conversation along the way. Cardinals visit the feeder. And every so often a barred owl takes the kayak as if it were left there on purpose.
They're entertaining, occasionally mischievous, and very much at home here. This landscape belongs to more than just us.
Around the Farm
There's always something to build, plant, repair, or improve. From the gardens and the chicken coop to the bee yard, the projects never really end. That's part of what makes life here interesting.
Open lawns, mature trees, and the lakes on both sides are a big part of what makes Rustin Farms what it is. We're continually finding ways to care for the land, and to make more room for the plants and wildlife that call this corner of Florida home.
The Pollinator Project
Our pollinator garden is an ongoing project, planted to provide nectar, pollen, and habitat for bees, butterflies, and other beneficial insects.
We focus on creating more opportunities for pollinators to thrive, while recognizing that our honeybees forage far beyond the boundaries of the farm.
Life on the Water
Some of our favorite moments happen when the day's work is finished and the sun begins to settle over the water. Whether it's fishing, kayaking, or simply watching the evening sky, life between the lakes has its rewards.
Rustin Farms is a private homestead and is not open to the public.