Bee Guide October

01 Oct, 2023

Bee-friendly Plants In Flower

Though the weather can still be slightly variable this month, it is heating up and with more sunlight hours comes more time to spend in the garden. Consider planting out a section for bees this year!


Here is a list of a few of the flowers that will be out in bloom now:

Bluebells

Bluebells should be out in flower from early to mid-spring, which are great for bumble and honeybees. Easy to grow, all you need to do is pop them into the garden where there is some soil mixed with compost and watch them flower! Make a note to order bluebells and buy them when they are in stores in Autumn.

Bottlebrush

Many bottlebrush plants will start flowering from mid-spring to late summer, depending on the variety. One of the earliest flowering plants is the Callistemon, feeding both bees and nectar-feeding birds such as the waxeyes and tui.

Fruit Trees

Deciduous fruit trees are still out in bloom and feeding a wide range of insects and birds. Plant two different varieties of fruit tree (ie a Plum Doris and Plum satsuma) for cross-pollination – plus twice as much food for the bees too!

Borage

If you have had borage in your garden in previous years, seedlings will start popping up all over the place and grow fast, offering hungry bees food in early spring to late summer. If you haven’t grown them before, they are easy to grow both from seed and seedling, found in the Kings Herb section.

Bee-friendly Plants Ready For Planting

As more plants become available instore in October, there will be a larger variety to choose from.


Here are some different bee-friendly plants to get in the ground now:

Dahlias (Tubers)

Dahlias (both bedding and tuberous varieties) are great for bees. If you are after something a little more colourful, make sure to get your hands on the summer tubers inside. Plant in the garden and start watering once sprouted.

Hibiscus

New-season hibiscus are now available. These are perennials, meaning they will be around year after year, being a permanent source of food. Plant in well-draining soil in full sun and water deeply once a week in summer.

Comfrey

A herb that is usually grown to help speed up the process of composting, comfrey is also great for bees and best planted at the base of any fruit trees to encourage pollinators with soft white and light purple flowers. Found in the Kings Herb section.

Hollyhocks

Impressive plants that push out beautiful displays of flowers that will add height to any cottage garden. Plant now to enjoy blooms over summer.

Monthly Bee Tip

Set aside a pot or 2m x 2m section of the garden dedicated to bee-friendly plants. This way, if half of the neighbourhood does this there will be enough food for bees in your area! More flowers = More Bees!


Weeds can be food too! Let your lawn grow out a little, as bees love dandelion, clover and lawn daisies!

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