Unfortunately a little bug of the electronic kind got into our newsletter this week and it didn't display properly for some. So here it is again....

Spring is all about Hanky Panky

Hi

Harry keeps planting out our place so that there are all manner of flowers going to keep the humble honey bee fed and our plants are happy cause they keep getting sex,  but sometimes it's a bit tricky in the cooler season to find flowering plants, perhaps we should all leave saucers of sugared water out for the bees in winter LOL

Bees are already struggling with the varroa mite. but they are also being threatened by sprays and a decline in sources of pollen and nectar. So if you need to spray, then spray bee friendly,  by spraying when the bees go to bed and avoiding plants that are in flower  likely to be visited by honey bees.

Now this pollination stuff all came about when one of the team took home a Santa rosa plum that has just started to blossom, so that the bees could  do the business with her Black Doris plum. She writes  "I have the Santa Rose strategically positioned between the Black Doris trees hoping for some sun, bees and a bit of pollination"   Now plums and pears both need a mate handy and I have even learnt that apples won't say no to  a partner or two either , but due to the built up nature of towns, that partner may be in the neighbours or even a block or two away.

Now I have had my colleague checking out who goes with who and it's been quite the fascinating learning curve and there is more to it than I have ever been taught. Never fear if you want to know more then we putting it all togather in the How to tab on the website.

Now if you have a lonely Plum, Pear or even an Apple its not too late to get them a mate but you want to get on to it. Santa rose seems to be a plum that will go with most and in the apples you cant go wrong with Braeburn, Gala, Egremont Russet, Golden Delicious, Splendour and even the Crab Apple Golden Hornet is a goodie for doing the business.  In the pears  William bon Chretian or WBC for short is a good companion to have for many of the other pear varieties. Click here for Fruit Trees, here for How to

Feijoas Need to mention that we have topped up with these really easy to grow fruits and they also make for great bee fodder when in flower. They also benefit from having a mate close by but then again it just as easily be in the neighbours.