newLANDSCAPING After The Fact

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Insect Gardens Are About to Become the Biggest Trend in Landscaping  CLICK HERE

"Cultivating backyard butterflies is one thing, but what about willfully inviting wasps into the mix? Bring 'em on, says horticulture expert Clay Wesson. Why? Parasitic wasps prey on insects that often damage crops. Plus, the flowers used to attract wasps, such as marigolds, repel other pests with their odor.........It's a concept Wesson has put into practice as a consultant for Brooks Wines in Oregon, establishing an insect garden, or insectary, on the biodynamic winery's grounds. By planting flowers and shrubs that attract beneficial insects, the winery reduces the need to treat pest outbreaks with chemicals." .... WHERE MIGHT THIS TAKE US?

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ACCOMMODATING GARDEN FRIENDS WITH AN INSECT HOTEL CLICK HERE

"The vanishing population of bees and other beneficial insects is a threat to gardens and ecological balance in general. Attracting insects that are useful for pollination and the reduction of destructive pests provides the chance to sync with nature......... Inviting beneficial insects (BIs) to promote the natural harmony of your outdoor environment – whether it is a small yard, farm or ranch – is achievable with insect hotels. These anthropodal lodgings are not simply functional, but also add aesthetic quality to any landscape. In addition, building these complements to sustainable gardening offers the opportunity for an engaging and fun experience."

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The buzz on the bee motel ABC Rural 2012 CLICK HERE

"The bee motel at Honeycomb Valley Farm.The bee motel at Honeycomb Valley Farm. (Kim Honan)....... An award winning farmstay in northern New South Wales has created a buzz around its latest attraction.......The Honeycomb Valley Farm at Nabiac in the Manning Valley can now boast it is home to Australia's first bee mote .......The sanctuary for native bees includes different habitats and the five-storey facility even features a nectar bar and honeymoon sweet....... Farmer and owner Anna Campbell says creating the bee motel was the next step for the tourist attraction........ "

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"A guest blog by Remko Leijs, an Honorary Research Associate at the South Australian Museum ........ Did you know that there are thousands native bee species? And many are yet to be discovered… some might visit your garden!........ If you imagine what a bee looks like, you’re probably thinking about a European honey bee. As the “European” reference in the common name suggests, these bees did not occur in Australia until they were introduced for honey production almost 200 years ago. Having established themselves away from the beekeepers’ hives, European honey bees are now feral in Australia, often building hives in tree hollows. These feral bees are important crop pollinators. But, on the down-side, they out-compete native animals such as birds and mammals for nesting hollows, and occasionally also for pollen and nectar............."

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Aussie Bee & the Australian Native Bee Research Centre ........... "Aussie Bee website promotes the preservation and enjoyment of Australian native bees. It is run by Anne and Les Dollin of the Australian Native Bee Research Centre to showcase Australia's 1,600 spectacular species of native bees. ........... Explore the fascinating stingless bees -- Australia's tiny native honeybees; discover our dazzling array of solitary bees -- blue banded bees, teddy bear bees, leafcutters and many more; and browse our extensive range of articles, photos and videos on ...... Visit and explore"