News from our July meeting – Saturday 8th
Another perfect Winter’s Day proved to be just right for our meeting and Bee Hotel workshop. This time we gathered in the beautiful and produc-tive gardens, within the 100 acres, owned by our stalwart members Jen-ny and Michael. The bees from their Tetragonula carbonaria hives were busy out and about amongst the huge variety of colourful blooms in the large garden and we were able to enjoy their company too.
We kicked-off around 11am to chat, share plates of food and savour the home-cooked pizza from the outside oven. After our official meeting we started the afternoon of Bee Hotel construction. Lots of ideas!!! Jim’s interest in creating guesthouses for our solitary bees shone through as he explained, as well as showed, different types of structures we can make to install in our gardens. Bamboo was cut to good size and bundled together with a noose or put into log cavities ready to take home.
One of the T.carbonaria hives in the garden is under eduction and our group was able to have a look through the viewing panel to see what was happening in their private world as they set up a new colony. And here is a little idea spotted: – Jen has installed ant caps on top of the plinths to deter garden ants from each hive – seems to be working well!
We also enjoyed welcoming new members Pauline, Grace, and Max.
Everyone had a wonderful day!
From Diane Norris
