Bee populations are declining world wide (oddly enough they're actually rising in Aotearoa but that doesn't mean they don't still need our help). We need them to pollinate our flora and fauna and well-nourished bees are more capable of fending off diseases. So why are they dying and what can we do?

Key reasons:

1. Parasites and parasitic mites are a big contributor to the decline of bees
2. Exposure to pesticides
3. Loss of habitat - less green fields = less pollinators 

 

What can we do? 

The biggest impact from the individual comes from our own gardens! If you have a garden there are two things that will help your local bee population exponentially.

1. Stop using pesticides
2. Add to your garden with bee-friendly plants

 

Pest Control

Pesticides in your garden don't just kill the pests you're trying to remove - they're a bit like antibiotics in your body, they kill all the good and bad bacteria without any nuance. If you must get pests under control then only spray around sunset as most bees have gone back to their hives by then. 

There are fantastic organic options that won't harm bees though and some DIY solutions work really well too. Utilising old-school, traditional recipes with oils, chilli and even soap can support healthier plant growth and spare those pollinators too. Here's a great resource to try with ten recipes from Tree Hugger.

 

Plant plants!

Honey Bees love loads of plants, they just may not bee in the realms of the ultra popular native gardens right now. Perhaps planting a more traditional garden in one corner is a more aesthetically pleasing way to boost your support or even getting some standardised lavender bushes to line your drive. There are some native plants that bees love to pollinate (as featured below). Just remember every little bit helps! 

 

Annual Flowers:

• Camellias
• Borage
• Sunflowers
• Fox gloves
• Cloves
• Marigolds
• Pansies
• Daffodils

Trees, shrubs, bushes, & climbers:

• Bottlebrush
• Lavender
• Rosemary
• Wisteria

Herbs & kitchen plants:

• Sage
• Basil
• Chives
• Fennel
• Squash

NZ Native Plants / Trees:

• NZ Jasmine
• Pohutukawa
• Rewarewa
• New Zealand flax
• Lemonwood
• Hoheria
• Tee tree

 

Added extras

• When you purchase a product from our Bees Brilliance online store in September, you'll receive a FREE packet of bee-friendly seeds to plant too!
• If you're keen to do even more, check out the Living composts 
• Create a small pond or water feature for the bees to have a drink.
• Or if you're really into bees, why not find your local bee keeping club and rent or buy an urban beehive? We really love the Bees Up Top organisation in Auckland but there are quite a few nationwide.