Benefit of Bees

December 21, 2011 Gardening Gals Uncategorized

native bee with purple flowerWhile people can be concerned about bees in their yard with children and pets around, they play an essential role as pollinators in the garden.

Without bees many of our vegetables and fruit would never get to the harvest stage.  Some vegetables such as pumpkin, cucumber and zucchini have male and female flowers so unless pollen is carried from the male to the female there is no way the vegetables will develop.

There are 1500 species of Australian native bees including some of the stingless variety. 

The common honey bee, was introduced to Australia from Europe in 1822 for honey production.

In order to attract bees into your garden plant lots of flowers.  Mix the flowers through your vegie patch as well to ensure the bees do their job thoroughly.

Bees seem to prefer yelllow, purple or blue flowers.  Some great bee-attracting flowers include:

  • Forget-me-knots
  • Lavender
  • Nasturtiums
  • Catmint
  • Salvia

Don’t forget that some people have a life-threatening allergic reaction to bees and bee-stings. Perhaps a cute sign about yours being a ‘bee-friendly garden’ will provide visitors with an appropriate warning.

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