Oderings is laying down a challenge to our customers - develop an urban honey bee garden. We invite you and your family down to your local garden centre to create a ‘Bee Palace’ for these buzzy pollinators.

Like all living organisms, bees have their place in our ecosystems, and they have a vital role to play. Without the humble bee's assistance in helping us to grow the beautiful berries, fruit and healthy vegetables we love, we could lose a large chunk of agricultural crops that we take for granted.

In New Zealand we often hear about the decline in honey bee numbers. Sadly, bees are now under attack because of such threats as the varroa mite, which, if an infestation occurs, can wipe out whole hives. They are also affected by toxic garden sprays and the lack of natural habitat. Honey bees need pollen and nectar to survive which is why we challenge you to make your garden a honey bee palace.

What to Plant in Your Bee Friendly Gardens

Time to get planning! Here are flowers to plant in your bee friendly gardens.

Annual Bee Friendly Flowers 

Bee Friendly Shrubs 

Bee Friendly Perennials 

Bee Friendly Tips:

• Bees love water so find a little area where you can place a bird bath or small pond. They use the water to cool down the hive.
• Make sure you mass plant the same flowers. Bees will work on one spot for at least ten hours and like to collect from the same type of flower.
• Be bee aware: who would have thought some organic garden insecticides are very toxic to bees. Ask us in store about which ones are bee friendly.

So jump on board the bee friendly garden wagon and help contribute to continuing the survival of bees.