We are sorry that you were not able to give your talk on “Trees for Bees” this month Linda. But thank you for giving us your notes to be posted on our blog.

Wednesday 6 August 2025
Trees for bees in majestic August
To support honey bees’ health, we can plant for every season of the year and we can plant a
variety of species.
Pollen is a source of protein and nutrients
Nectar provides the carbohydrates bees need to move and function during cold periods,
bees depend on honey to keep their hive warm.
Golden Wattle (Acacia)
Flowering traditionally in July and August, with bright yellow or cream fluffy balls
A great Pollen source
Sizes are shrubs to trees
Please note: 2024 Department of Conservation NZ named it as a weed because it has been
invasive to NZ native species.
Standing beneath the tall, flowering Golden Wattle, is the majestic humming sounds, of
hundreds of honey bees foraging for food.
Grevillieas (Grevillea)
Robin Hood, Fireworks, bronze ramble are an example of species that flower in August
Nectar for the insects and birds
Ground covers, shrubs and small trees, there are a variety of cultivators and colour
Busy bees, foraging for nectar on the driveway banks, of the low growing Grevillea, Bronze
Rambler.
Lavender (Lavandula)
Dentata, The Princess are flowering at present
Nectar source for bumble bees too
Grow as shrubs, hedges, tapestry bank cover, using different cultivators and colour

NZ Natives
Akeake (Dodonea Viscosa) bushy 5 m shrub/tree: pollen and nectar
Karamu (Coprosma Robusta) 4 m tree: pollen and nectar
Rewarewa, NZ honeysuckle (Knightia excelsa) Tall 30 m: rich in nectar
How can I help?
 Plant a variety that flowers at different times
 Avoid pesticides especially on flowering plants
 Allow dandelions and clover to bloom in winter
What is flowering on your bee site (Apiary) at the moment?
What months are the gaps?
What am I going to do about my colony’s nutrition.
Remember to do homework about shrubs and trees that you intend on planting. Remember to look
after the soil on your property and apiary. Healthy soil equals better honey yield.
Planting advice is found on the Trees for Bees website http://www.treesforbeesnz.org
Further reading and research
Randy Oliver
Jim Tew
Your local plant nursey
Fellow beekeepers
Podcasts: Beekeeping Today, Two bees in a Podcast