March 2023 From the Garden

The red mason bee is a small common bee that nests in hollow plant stems, in holes in cliffs, and in the crumbling mortar of old buildings.

It is a solitary bee so, after mating, each female builds its own nest. She lines each ‘cell’ with mud and pollen and lays a single egg in each until the cavity is full. The larvae hatch and develop inside the hole pupating in autumn and hibernating over winter. The red mason bee is on the wing from late March until July and feeds solely on pollen and nectar.

You can help bees like this by making an insect home for them. Fill an old tin can with short lengths of cane. Block off one end, and place canes vertically inside the tin can filling it completely. The length of the canes should be equal to the depth of the tin. Ideally, site the tin can at least two feet above ground in a sheltered spot.