In
response to the global crisis in bee populations bumblebee ‘lodges’ are
being installed in amongst the vegetable and fruit beds and orchard in
the Walled Garden at Harewood for the second year.
Head Gardener Trevor explains it’s all part of Harewood’s
conservation and sustainability strategy, “We use bumblebees to help
with pollination in the orchard and vegetable garden. Bumblebees carry
more pollen, visit more flowers and work at lower temperatures than the
average honey bee and we’re keen to support British bumblebee
populations as much as we can.” The Beepol bumblebee ‘lodges’ were
installed last year for the first time and were a great success with
bees buzzing happily in the borders.
What's new this year, is a wax-moth-guard which attaches to each of the Beepol Lodges...
The nests and hives of a number of different bee species, including
bumblebees, are sometimes invaded by wax moths. Wax moths lay their eggs
within or close to the bee nests and the larvae hatch then disperse
into the nest feeding on the contents. If nests are invaded during the
early stage, then the wax moth infestation is often fatal.
Amazingly, the bumblebees soon learn how to push open the guard to
leave and return to the nest. Wax moths however, are neither strong
enough or clever enough to do this! It's a great chemical-free solution.
You can find out more about the Beepol Lodges, and wax-moth-guards on the Beepol website, and Beepol Lodges will shortly be available to purchase from our Bookshop and Plant Stall in Terrace Cottage here at Harewood.
Gardens have become such important places for bees – here at Harewood
the Gardens Team also make a point of growing bee-friendly plants such
as salvias, catmint, raspberries, lavender, green manures such as
phacelia, and other flowering shrubs.
Beekeeping Taster Days and Demonstrations...
The Harrogate and Ripon Beekeepers Association also have a working apiary in the Walled Garden where they run Beekeeping Taster Days
and demonstrations throughout the summer, helping people to find out
more about bees and get some hands-on experience if they are thinking
about keeping their own...