We are well aware of the importance of bees. These fascinating and valuable insects are responsible for pollinating 80 per cent of the fruit, vegetables and crops that we eat.
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It is therefore in our best interests for us all to do our bit to ensure the local bee population is healthy.
Unfortunately, it is well documented that bee numbers are declining across the globe. The reason for this is a combination of climate change, the use of broad-scale pesticides, vegetation changes, land clearing and increased dispersal of pests and diseases that directly affect bees. Anything we can do as home gardeners to help bees stay strong, healthy and well fed is a step in the right direction.
Home gardeners can make a valuable contribution in support of the local bee population by simply planting a variety of bee friendly plants in their gardens. It is possible, even in places like Orange that have long cold winters, to plan a bee forage garden where flowers bloom throughout all seasons to provide a continuous supply of pollen and nectar for bees.
A bee friendly garden is not only of benefit to the bees, it also benefits the gardener. The more bees enticed to the garden equals a bigger harvest of home grown produce, as so many types of fruit and vegetables require the intervention of bees for pollination and fruit set.
Central Tablelands Landcare is aware of the challenges our bee population is facing. To help home gardeners help our bees, Landcare members and bee experts will be conducting a free Bee Forage Garden workshop next Saturday at the Orange Environmental Learning Facility, commencing at 9.30am and finishing at 1pm.
The aim of the workshop is to provide information about how we can plan to have flowers in our gardens to provide year-round food for bees. The workshop will commence with information on the importance of bee forage plants. This will be followed by a session where a bee forage calendar will be created, with reference to plants suitable for the Orange climate.
Best of all will be a practical session, when workshop participants will work together to plant out a bee forage garden into seasonal sections in the adjacent Orange Community Garden.
Contact centraltablelandslandcare@gmail.com or 0429979780 for more information.
