Question by Leesa W.
I live in Ipswich Qld where the temperatures in summer frequently hit 40 degrees Celsius and higher. We are also in drought and water is scarce. I am wanting to plant some plants to feed bees but looking for drought tolerant varieties. I am particularly interested in flowering plants that I can incorporate into my vegetable patch and perhaps eat but also natives I understand most varieties are not drought tolerant until established. Do you have any suggestions for me please? Thank you :)
Sarah's answer
Gosh – 40 degrees is quite hot, and bees will find it too hot as well. Aside from planting, if you provide a water supply for them you will be a great help to the bees during this time of great heat. A container filled with marbles and water is a good idea so they can reach the water without risk of drowning. Providing shady areas can also be of benefit to the bees.
As for flowers, bees are more attracted to blue, purple and yellow flowers than the other colours, but that doesn’t say they don’t visit the other flowers. Flowers in your vegetable patch will benefit from the moist soil you provide for your vegetables, so you have an opportunity for a wider choice there.
Consider planting a range of plants that will collectively provide flowers all year round. The list of plants you can use isn’t completely limited and so you can also consider personal preference when selecting plants. There is a great resource online from the Australian Government, Rural Industries, called Bee Friendly A planting guide for European honeybees and Australian native pollinators or pop along to your local garden centre to see what is available in your area. I hope this helps and you have a garden buzzing with life.
Cheers Sarah
