Members of the Umtamvuna Marine Conservancy (UMC) in Port Edward recently visited the Rocky Ridge farm in Banners Rest to witness the wonder of a garden made for bees.
Helen Botha, who created the garden, explained that there are about 20,000 unique bee species in the world that pollinate 80% of crops. Without the bees doing their work, humankind is doomed.
She said it takes one beehive to pollinate about 100 fruit trees. Bees also improve the quality and quantity of fruit.
“It was a wholesome and educational outing. It was as if we entered a different, peaceful world, buzzing with bees and other insects,” said Renée Alcock, UMC chairperson.
“We learned that we need to create an environment conducive to the bees wellbeing by minimising the use of pesticides and developing a symbiotic relationship with our bees. We can do that by planting a variety of flowering plants in different seasons so that the bees have food throughout the year,” said Alcock.
Bees love flowering trees like the erythrina, and herbs like lavender, sage, thyme, basil and rosemary are favoured during flowering.
They also need a source of water.
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