At Oderings, we’re laying down a challenge to you and your whānau: develop an urban honeybee garden and play your part in supporting these vital pollinators! By creating a "Bee Palace," you’re not just adding beauty to your backyard—you’re actively contributing to the survival of honeybees and, in turn, the health of New Zealand’s ecosystem.

Why Bees Matter

Bees are critical to our environment, ensuring the pollination of plants that produce the daily fruits, berries, and vegetables we rely on. However, the humble bee faces significant threats, including:

• Varroa mite infestations, which can decimate entire hives.
• Toxic garden sprays, which harm bees and other beneficial insects.
• Loss of natural habitats, leaving bees without sufficient nectar and pollen sources.

Without our intervention, these essential workers could face a grim future with consequences for agriculture and biodiversity. That’s why it’s time to make your garden a haven for honeybees!

What to Plant in Your Bee-Friendly Garden

Ready to create your buzzing paradise? Here’s a planting guide to attract and sustain honeybees:

Annual Flowers

Plant these vibrant blooms to provide seasonal colour and nectar:

• Alyssum
• Antirrhinum
• Cosmos
• Chrysanthemum
• Phacelia
• Sunflowers
• Zinnias
• Verbena

Bee-Friendly Shrubs

Incorporate these hardy shrubs for year-round structure and nectar:

• Lavender
• Citrus
• Erica
• Flax
• Fuchsia
• Manuka
• Rosemary
• Prunus
• Old-Fashioned Roses

Perennials

These long-lasting plants will keep your garden buzzing for years:

• Cornflower
• Federation Daisy
• Foxglove
• Gaillardia
• Lamb’s Ear
• Sage
• Echinacea
• Penstemon
• Scabiosa

Garden Experts Bee-Friendly Gardening Tips

Want to take your bee garden to the next level? Here are a few practical tips:

Provide water: Bees need a reliable water source, such as a birdbath or shallow pond, to cool their hive and stay hydrated.

Mass planting: Bees prefer to gather from the same type of flower. Planting large clusters of the same species ensures they can work efficiently.

Be pesticide-aware: Some organic garden sprays can be harmful to bees. Check with us in-store for bee-safe alternatives.

Join the Movement

New Zealand’s bee population needs all the help it can get. By planting a diverse array of nectar-rich flowers and shrubs, you’ll create a beautiful garden and contribute to these essential pollinators' survival.

So, what are you waiting for? Pop into your local Oderings Garden Centre and let’s get started on building your very own Bee Palace! Together, we can make a buzz-worthy difference.