It was wonderful to see the partnership of the Rotary Clubs of Canterbury, Balwyn and Camberwell organise this outstanding Dinner with 200 ttendees.  Congratulations! 

Whilst having a beehive in one's back yard isn't for everyone we can all do something to help protect bees and provide a welcoming environment for them.

What can we do?

Firstly avoid using neonicotinoids in the garden. Neonicotinoids are a relatively new type of insecticide that is used to kill pests like aphids. Sadly though anything that kills insects also kills bees. If you must use pest control use it in the winter when bees are generally in their hive and not out foraging.

For information on neonicotinoids click on the following: Neonicotinoids use and honey bees

We should think about planting indigenous native plants and flowering plants in our gardens. Bees love borage, sage,  lavender and rosemary. Daisies are also a favourite. Bees can see purple more clearly than other colours, but use this only as a guide.

When planting think of what you mother or grandmother had in her garden. For those of you who have a small garden or just a balcony, even a couple of beautiful pots will create a lovely environment for bees.

Our summers can get quite hot and bees need clean water to cool themselves, leave a dish of water out for them in your garden.

Lastly "insect hotels", which can be as simple as the one in the photo are great in your garden to provide shelter to bees and other insects.

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