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Bee Wall
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Posted by sonero (My Page) on Sun, Jan 7, 07 at 14:22
Hello everybody, this is my first posting and I'm looking for guidance from anybody who has constructed one of the above.
As you will probably know, the accepted method of bee wall construction is by lengths of hollow stems bound together and placed in a South facing aspect. Elder stems are the usual material used. I intend to use Elder, plus other plant spp. My problem is the removal of the center pith in the stems. Is there an easy way? |
Follow-Up Postings:
RE: Bee Wall
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| By 'bee wall' do you mean a solitary bee nest? I haven't constructed one before, but am going to give this a go. I'm intending to use old bamboo canes cut to size, as I have plenty around. I would have thought you could use forsythia cuttings as well, as they seem to go hollow in the middle. Could you use something like a thin knitting needle or wire coathanger end to push the pith out? |
RE: Bee Wall
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Correct, I do mean nesting sites for solitary bees. I think the suggestion of pushing out the pith and leaving varying amounts at one end is the only answer. Any plant stem with a decent hole should do. I'm going to use different kinds.
Quite near where I live I have found a natural community of solitary's. It's situated in a clay bank, in the side of a drainage ditch. It faces South and consists of around 30-40 holes, about 10mm. I'm not sure of the species, but I've kept my eye on it for the last couple of years. This is what inspired me to try one in my own garden. |
RE: Bee Wall
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| The bees are quite happy to make their own hole. all you have to do is provide suitable situations. This will vary according to the local bee species but i have found that not being too tidy in the garden works best. Flowerpots are a favourite place so think before you tip them out. |
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