I have planted this border over the last three years. There are numerous shrubs and trees here. The idea is that as they mature there will be plenty of nesting places for birds and other creatures. I have a woodmouse in one of the bird boxes at the moment. The shrubs provide a continuous source of pollen and nectar for bees. Mahonia Charity if in flower at the moment. It has tried to snow today and is very cold, we have an easterly wind. I have mason bees overwintering in the shed. I started with one unit four years ago and now have between 400 - 600 bees. They really are lovely creatures, they do not sting, which is wise, when you have very young grandchildren as I do. When the bees leave the units around April time they pollenate all my fruit trees. They only live for around six weeks and the female of the species spends her very short life feeding and depositing her grubs into the clean units. Then she dies. Sad eh? I really enjoy taking care of them, and feel it is so worthwhile to make life a little easier for these beautiful creatures. Quote: Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.Thursday 3 January 2008
Woodland Walk
I have planted this border over the last three years. There are numerous shrubs and trees here. The idea is that as they mature there will be plenty of nesting places for birds and other creatures. I have a woodmouse in one of the bird boxes at the moment. The shrubs provide a continuous source of pollen and nectar for bees. Mahonia Charity if in flower at the moment. It has tried to snow today and is very cold, we have an easterly wind. I have mason bees overwintering in the shed. I started with one unit four years ago and now have between 400 - 600 bees. They really are lovely creatures, they do not sting, which is wise, when you have very young grandchildren as I do. When the bees leave the units around April time they pollenate all my fruit trees. They only live for around six weeks and the female of the species spends her very short life feeding and depositing her grubs into the clean units. Then she dies. Sad eh? I really enjoy taking care of them, and feel it is so worthwhile to make life a little easier for these beautiful creatures. Quote: Gardening is a way of showing that you believe in tomorrow.
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2 comments:
Some day i hope to get some Mason Bee's in my garden too. Maybe next spring!
I too have a woodland garden and am planting a natural fence around my "Serenity Garden". You and i have a lot in common.
Hi Becky
Go get a mason bee unit or make one, you will love it.
We do have a lot in common, I have so enjoyed looking at your blog. I leave it then think "Oh I will just go and look at that again."
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