Making your balcony the bee’s (friendly) knees.
If you are wondering what a Native bee looks like, you have probably seen one, you just didn’t realise it was there. These dainty darlings are only 2.4mm in size on average, or one 10th the size of a European Honey Bee. There are over 1700 species of native bee, with only 11 of them being considered social or ‘hive dwelling’. These 11 species that live in brood hives are also the only type that make Sugarbag, or native honey which is tangier than regular honey.
A Tetragonula native bee buzzing around our lotus flowers.
“Commonly used to coat seeds, neonicotinoids spread throughout a plant once the seed germinates. It acts to deter insects, but also infiltrates nectar and pollen. Neonicotinoids are systemic nerve poisons. They kill insects on contact or ingestion. Exposure to sub-lethal doses causes behavioural disturbances and disorientation, which is ultimately fatal for beehives. Despite being banned in the EU, they are still in use here in Australia". - Nick Mulvaney, Change.org
Australian native bee’s come in a stunning array of colour. Not only are they sweet, stingless creatures, they are crucial for our native plant species that rely on their unique vibrational pollination. Moreover, they are also shown to pollinate common crops in Australia.
Native bee populations are sadly at risk due to three increasing threats to their habitat:
Increasing pesticide use, specifically neonicotiniods.
Destruction of their homes due to logging
Increasing flower-less and bare expanses due to growing urbanisation.
Alas, there is hope amongst the concrete jungle.
Could our balcony’s, and dinner plates, bee the missing link?
A European Honey Bee feasting on our lavender.
There are simple ways we can all make our backyard, balcony and even grocery list more bee friendly:
Choose locally grown, organic produce: pesticide-laden monoculture crops are vulnerable to pests due to the deplete soil and landscape they are grown in. By voting with your dollar, buying local organic, we decrease our dependence on these forms of farming and support smaller scale, pesticide free production.
Grow Lavender: Lavender is a hardy, fragrant addition to any garden and a favourite of the stunning Blue Banded Native. It is nectar laden, making it a juicy treat for native bees. It will flower year round and can also be used in cooking. Other bee friendly herbs that will grow well in full-sun pots or plots with little maintenance include basil, thyme, sage, rosemary, lemon balm and mint.
Sign the change.org petition to band Neonicotinoid use in Australia: Despite being banned internationally, these systemic pesticides are still used prolifically in our local growing systems. You can support and read more about this important cause here.
Our favourite - Tea Tree Leptospermum (aka Manuka Myrtle or just Tea Tree): Despite questionable name, this dainty but dazzlingly pretty flower is a summer blooming delight. It is native to south-east Australia and New Zealand. It is hardy, can grow as a large screen or smaller plant when pruned. It is a native’s bee’s best friend.
Small changes likes these can help make a big difference. Do worry, plant herbs and bee happy.
