This discussion has been closed.
Posted by dungolfin (U1453891) on Monday, 17th May 2010
The south facing wall of my house has proven very attractive to red mason bees. There were a few last year that laid eggs in the nooks and crannies and this year we've got dozens. I understand that they're great pollinators for apples and berries so looking forward to my reward come the autumn.
Noticed too a couple of species of bumble bee taking great interest in the flowers of my japanese acer.
Yes, they're one of the earliest bees out foraging/pollinating because of the heat advantage from your wall......it's nice that you've got an established colony of these colourful bees and they're known to be the absolute least harmful of all solitary bees.
(I'm trying to build up a colony of leafcutter bees)
I've had alot of bumble bees and either a bee or wasp tried to build a nest in the shed.
At the weekend whilst paving an area we were inundated with wasps.
This year theres been quite alot of wildlife in the garden which I've either never noticed before or are new this year. I've had alot of different birds, lady birds and a frog. For the first time since planting a blossom tree it hasn't been attacked by blackfly whilst flowering this year.
I'm not getting as much slug damage but theres still time for that
My OH loves these bees, and would spend all day every day in the garden watching them if he could
Starting with a commercial bee nest he has built up several colonies. He now uses short lengths of hollow cane tied together in bundles, and more recently created one by drilling holes into a short log and mounting it on a low post (looks like that funny Tellytubbies periscope thingy). These are now dotted all round the garden and we're starting to "seed" the allotment as well.
Bless him!
calendula - good for him! that's how I'm getting my leafcutters.
Anyone wants to try? - two foot length of 4" x 4" timber covered with 12mm holes (as deep as poss) at headheight facing South
Welcome to the new Gardening Board. If this is your first time, then make sure you check out the
or  to take part in a discussion.
The message board is currently closed for posting.
Weekdays 09:00-00:00
Weekends 10:00-00:00
This messageboard is .
Find out more about this board's
Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú © 2014 The Â鶹¹ÙÍøÊ×Ò³Èë¿Ú is not responsible for the content of external sites. Read more.
This page is best viewed in an up-to-date web browser with style sheets (CSS) enabled. While you will be able to view the content of this page in your current browser, you will not be able to get the full visual experience. Please consider upgrading your browser software or enabling style sheets (CSS) if you are able to do so.