Being bee wise

It is with ongoing concern that I notice the reduction of bee activity in the Towerwater garden. The absence of the bees seems to be a widespread problem in the valley. My neighbour mentioned that the plum harvest in the valley has been affected by poor pollination as a result of a lower bee presence.

We too have experienced poorer pollination patterns in our orchard and vegetable garden. Lower fruit and vegetable yields are a result. Being aware of the fragile ecosystem of our garden has become second nature. I tend to be aware of the small changes. The lack of bee activity on the blossoms in early spring and the absence of scurrying lizards in the herb garden, are a case in point. 

What is more worrying is that although I maintain a food source for bees in the garden, there are simply very few of them about. I have to wonder if the plastic covered orchards are restricting their access to food, causing them to move away. Or perhaps the planting of different varieties of fruit which demand intensive spraying programs. Toxic cocktails of chemicals do ensure better looking fruit for the competitive international market.

The drought in the Western Cape has also impacted on the natural food source of the bees and consequently their numbers. The bees rely on indigenous and exotic species, like eucalyptus. The indiscriminate removal of eucalyptus trees, even in contexts where they pose no water threat, has seen six species of the tree being targeted for removal. The biggest concern is that there will not be enough forage for bees in the Western Cape. A new strategy is needed to manage bee forage sources.

Pumpkin flies found in the traps

We are trying to keep our garden as bee friendly as possible. I have replaced all the fruit fly and pumpkin fly traps with new ones. The new ones have smaller access holes. Ensuring that bees cannot find their way into them. On analysis of the contents of the traps, I am happy to see that we are catching fruit and pumpkin flies on a regular basis but no bees. I am pleased with the new traps. Every exotic fruit and pumpkin fly in the trap is one less to destroy our fruit and vegetable crops.

Mediterranean fruit flies in the traps 

I thought of getting a hive for the Towerwater garden. However, the legislation for beekeeping prevents me from pursuing that route. Certain towns have by-laws for keeping bees, so it is best to consult your local municipality before you start.

Most local authority by-laws for keeping bees requires that:

• One must have a permit;
• The beehive must be installed a minimum of 5 metres from any boundary of your premises;
• The beehive must also be installed a minimum of 100 metres from any public space or building used by humans or any place used to keep animals, poultry and birds;
• The beehive needs to be approved and be inaccessible to children and animals;
• A source of drinking water needs to be available within 5 metres of the hive;
• It is illegal to dump or deposit any garbage, compost, grass cuttings or manure within 5 metres of any beehive.

Useful information on beekeeping is available from sources such as the Western Cape Bee Industry Association and the South African Bee Industry Organisation.

What I can do, I shall. I am planning a bee garden at Towerwater. I will focus on plants that are preferred by bees. A garden where there will be a constant forage source for them. I cannot imagine a garden without the buzzing of bees. Bees busy making sure that the cycle of life continues.