Home hives a sweet idea for gardeners
By Sonia O'Regan - The Marlborough Express
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A Picton couple are coming to the rescue of urban gardens at risk of missing out on pollination due to a dearth of honey bees, with their new lease-a-hive business.
Matthew Wells and Catherine Gordon are the people behind Wellcomb Picton Bush Honey.
Mr Wells is a builder who has been keeping bees for more than 20 years.
He did a beekeeping course in Rangiora after leaving school, and later spent a year in Hawaii working alongside a man who was breeding bees to achieve the docile yet hardworking little critters most welcome in a home garden situation.
The couple have leased hives to half a dozen people in Picton and Blenheim so far, including one in the Monro St, Blenheim garden of their friend Murray de Lacey.
The $300 annual cost covers regular maintenance and varroa treatments. Clients also benefit from pollinated plants and enough honey to keep them well supplied for their toast and tea.
Mr de Lacey said he also enjoyed the tranquil hum of the bees and a new point of interest.
The remainder of the honey tops up the supplies Mr Wells collects from wilderness sites around Picton.
Ms Gordon explained that the wild bee population had declined rapidly in New Zealand since the varroa mite got away several years ago. The mite arrived in Marlborough in 2007.
The mite has destroyed hives, which has reduced pollination of crops, both commercially and in home gardens, leading to poorer returns. "It's a serious problem, as if there were no bees, there would be no pollination of crops."
She said she had noted the increasing use of heirloom plants in home gardens, and bees were vital for free-pollinating, heirloom tomatoes.
Before he installs a hive, Mr Wells suggests that potential hosts have a chat with their neighbours (they haven't had a problem with bees annoying neighbours, but suggest checking in case someone is allergic to bee stings). He will then inspect the property to find an appropriate spot.
As well as traditional box hives, Mr Wells and Ms Gordon have some with a pitched roof and copper trim.
Wellcomb Honey will have a stall at the Hunter's Garden Marlborough Garden Fete, which will be held in Seymour Square in Blenheim from 8am to 4pm on Sunday, November 8.
