The buzz on riparian planting

There are many benefits to fencing and planting along waterways, not least an improvement to water quality. But, did you know you can also choose your vegetation to support bee populations? Horizons’ Freshwater Team recently attended a Trees for Bees workshop to learn more about the types of plants best suited to bees in the Region.

There are many benefits to fencing and planting along waterways, not least an improvement to water quality. But, did you know you can also choose your vegetation to support bee populations? Horizons’ Freshwater Team recently attended a Trees for Bees workshop to learn more about the types of plants best suited to bees in the Region.

Freshwater Coordinator Lucy Ferguson says bees have seasonal emergence patterns which mean different species of bees emerge from their nests at different times of year.

“As a result, you need to be strategic in your riparian planting to ensure you have a flowering plant for every month of the year,” she says.

Some recommended plants include: Akiraho (Olearia paniculata), Broadleaf (Griselinia littorali), Cabbage Tree (Cordyline australi), Five-finger (Pseudopanax arboreus), Flax (Phormium tenax), Kahikatea (Dacrycarpus dacrydioides), Kaikomako (Pennantia corymbos), Kanuka (Kunzea ericoides), Karamu (Coprosma robusta), Kohuhu (Pittosporum tenuifolium), Koromiko (Hebe stricta), Kowhai (Sophora microphylla), Kowhai (Sophora godleyi), Kowhai (Sophora Tetraptera), Long leaved Lacebark (Hoheria sexstylosa).

A new factsheet on the Horizons website provides more detail around flowering times of common riparian plants. Advice and financial assistance is also available to all landowners seeking to fence and plant around waterways.

This assistance applies whether bees are a consideration or not. So if you’ve been thinking about fencing or planting, give the Freshwater Team a call on toll-free 0508 800 800 to find out more.