A large country, Australia has an astonishing variety of bees across its different environments. Indeed, well over a thousand distinct species of bee have been discovered in the country. Unlike wasps and other flying insects, bees are popular creatures largely thanks to their ability to make that most delicious of substances: honey. Despite this, there is a well-documented decline in the numbers of bees across the globe. Research has shown that the factors for this state of affairs are varied but the ongoing use of pesticides is known to be a key part of the problem. This is something that has impacted on Australian bees just as it has elsewhere. What can bee-loving Australians do?

Firstly, it is important to look for a bee-friendly pesticide to use in your garden or to abandon their use altogether. Secondly, you can make your garden more attractive to bees by leaving areas for them to hide in, such as piles of logs and undergrowth which is left untouched. Perhaps the most important thing you can do, however, is to plant things which are liked by bees and which will provide them with the sustenance they need to survive. With so many plants available to choose from, why would you not? The staff at a wholesale tree nursery or a common garden centre will be able to advise you on bee-friendly planting in your locality. In the meantime, consider the following plants and trees for your garden.

Tea Tree

Leptospermum, or the humble tea tree, is an attractive looking plant which produces famously green leaves. The subtle fragrance of a tea tree can enhance any garden. Furthermore, the white and pink flowers that a tea tree produces in spring are ideal for bees. They love the ability to feed from them when other plants are not yet flowing. Planted in rows, tea trees make excellent hedges and visual barriers, making them ideal for Australian gardens.

Lavender

Another aromatic plant, lavender grows well in most regions of Australia. Like tea trees, it flowers relatively early when bees find it harder to source nectar. Lavender produces brightly coloured flowers which seem to attract bees from far and wide. What's more, it works very well with other herbs, such as sage or rosemary.

Pincushion Hakea

Also known as hakea laurina, this native plant is highly versatile because you can plant it as either a shrub or a tree. Bees will flock to its pretty pink and white blooms when in flower. Trees grown to about six metres in height, but they are easy to keep beneath that height, if wanted, by regular pruning.