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36 supplying them cases of honey. They also get the benefit of crop pollination by the bees. Combs' honey is a popular item at The Country Store, founded 39 years ago in the Marion Junction community west of Selma. "It does a lot beer than I thought it would," said owner Frankie Rogers. "It's priced three times as much as what you get from the national people. But it sells remarkably well." Rogers said honey from national brands "could have syrup in it and honey from China. You're not geing pure honey. When you buy it from Paul, you know you're geing 100 percent honey." Back toward Selma, the owner of Mark's Mart, Rodney King, said Combs' honey is one of the best-sellers in the section of his store dedicated to locally made products. "He was kind of ahead of the curve a few years back when people started geing it for allergies," King said. "It blossomed from there. Honey is a natural health food anyway. Paul's honey has been real popular." Honey from nectar in flowers – whose pollen causes allergies and "hay fever" – is believed to be a remedy. "Beekeeping is very peaceful because you're out in nature and you're enjoying the environment you're in," Combs said. "The bees are working. It's fantastic to see them bring in pollen and stored nectar, and raise baby bees and see the purpose they work, with no waste." Prime honey season runs from March to June when clover is in full bloom. During summer, wildflowers become the nectar of choice for bees, with goldenrod the second-most prolific honeymaker. Combs' operation is so large it required him to hire Danny and Mary Ann Lassiter. "Danny helps me with all the field work. There's no way I could keep up with this business without his help," Combs said while noting that Mary Ann helps with boling and keeping the processing facility clean. "Paul makes a good, quality product," said the Mark's Mart owner. "He checks on it and restocks it when he needs to." Rogers is sold on Combs' honey. "We saw a lot of people buy it for Christmas presents. And a lot take it like I do for medicinal purposes and use it in coffee in place of sugar. I love it in oatmeal." Combs, daughters Sarah and Mary Caroline, and wife, Lori Ann at their store in Marion Junction. Sarah Combs fills bottle with pure honey. Southern Ambrosia honey is popular in area stores.