A Guide to the Best of Southern California : AT HOME : Busy With Bees

“IT’S AN EASY proposition,” promises Chase Walker, even though there’s always a chance you could get stung. But if the idea of fresh golden honey straight from the comb appeals to you, the Los Angeles Honey Co. can get you started as an apiarist.

Owner Walker, who’s been at it for more than 30 years at the same East L.A. location, helps customers go about generating honey-producing hives of their own. It begins with a nucleus of bees (which has already been established on frames of comb) and includes a queen and brood, a one-story hive, and a veil, gloves and a smoker (to quiet the bees when needed).

The initial cost for such a start-up kit runs about $200, and the rewards are sweet.

And for both hobbyists and fledgling professionals, Walker provides information on the finer points of beekeeping. (For the fainthearted--or for the urban apartment dweller--Walker suggests an observation hive, which can flourish even on a high-rise balcony.)

Los Angeles Honey Co., 1559 Fishburn Ave., Los Angeles; (213) 264-2383.