The importance of herbs for our bees & pollinators

Jekka's Herbetum & Herb Garden are buzzing with excitement, with a hive of activity from our Honey Bees and Bumblebees throughout our herbs. They have all been enjoying the favourable spring weather that has resulted in a beautiful array of flowers.

The annual cycle of our pollinating herbs starts with Rosemary, as these evergreen shrubs flower from January through to May. By May, our bees are truly spoiled for choice, with honey bees gathering on mass in our Thyme beds. While feasting on the nectar from Thyme flowers, our bees are also self-medicating to boost their immunity.

Meanwhile, the Bumblebees have been enjoying our Salvias, Alliums, Nepetas, and other wildflowers. Photographing all the varieties of bumblebee on the Herb Farm has been quite a challenge, as these little pollinators simply won’t sit still!

In a few months, the Lavenders, Oreganos and Mints will be the centre of attention when they come into flower. We harvest a spring honey and a summer honey from our hives and greatly enjoy deciphering the different flavours.

Many beekeepers describe Borage as the ultimate bee plant since it continuously replenishes its nectar supply, providing a generous supply of sugary nectar throughout the growing season. Despite being an annual, Borage, can flower from early spring till the autumn.