An apiary is a place where beehives are kept for the purpose of raising and managing bees, primarily for honey production. It can vary in size from a few hives in a backyard to large commercial operations with hundreds of hives. Beekeepers, also known as apiculturists, maintain these hives to ensure the health of the bee colonies and to harvest honey and other bee products. In addition to honey, an apiary can also produce beeswax, propolis, and royal jelly. The location of an apiary is important, as bees require access to a variety of flowering plants for foraging. Proper management of an apiary helps support local ecosystems through pollination.