Make your yard attractive to bees
The Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail, which runs from October 28 to November 6, will offer further insights for those keen on developing bee-friendly backyards.
‘‘You don’t have to keep bees yourself to be part of the grander plan to help the plight of bees, though many of our sustainable backyard hosts do feel that having bees completes the picture,’’ Sustainable Backyards coordinator Rachel Eckersley said.
‘‘Creating a bee-friendly backyard is about planting for diversity. Bees are the tip of the iceberg, really. Plant for honey bees and you’ll also be encouraging the myriad other important pollinators including native bees, butterflies and birds. Chances are the local lizards will thank you too.’’
Properties on the Sustainable Backyards Trail have a number of things in common that make life easier on our all-important pollinators.
Shelter-belts and hedging protect fruit trees from our wild winds and, with a bit of planning, these can provide sources of pollen and nectar.
Seed saving is an important part of the growing cycle and so plants are often allowed to flower and set seed. Growing herbs adds to the smorgasbord.
Winter and early spring food sources are important to help tide the bees over and get them ready for honey season.
Taranaki Beekeepers’ Club president, Charl van der Heever, has noticed a significant increase in numbers of bees relying on urban food sources in New Plymouth over the winter months.
‘‘Commercial beekeepers are looking for places to over-winter their bees, where they’ll be able to find food in the off-season.
‘‘Urban areas, or just on the edge of town, are ideal because people’s gardens provide a greater diversity of food sources than the paddocks do during winter.’’
During the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail, visitors will be taken on a tour of each property by the garden gurus and permaculture experts themselves.
They will be able to interact, ask questions, and observe a range of styles and sustainable living techniques.
Find out more about the Taranaki Sustainable Backyards Trail on Facebook or at sustainabletaranaki.org.nz.