Would recommend you look at Better Bee for resources. It might be hard to find a mentor with a name like "Badseed" .. sort of frightening...LOL

Still, I wish you luck. It does sound as if you know how to attract the bees..we do not have them as much any more down here in South Texas. I will take your hint with the lavender, berry brushes and sage.

Thanks for the tip! (The name was a Nick Cave joke...)

I keep a few hives in Essex County. It's a great place to keep.

I'd recommend checking out the Essex County Beekeepers Society. You can find their website here: http://ecbs.njbeekeepers.org/
And their calendar of events here: http://njbeekeepers.org/Calendar.htm#EssexCountry
It is a great place to meet local beeks.

The short course they offer is great. You should try to catch it this winter if you have a chance.