At the invitation of Donna Martin (current President of Rotary Club of Bacchus Marsh and Co-Chair of Environment/Sustainability for District 9800), Rotarians for BEES were delighted to participate in the annual Bacchus Marsh Flower and Garden Show. The many attractions of this two day event included prizewinning categories for cake decorating, produce and photography. Sales of locally grown plants, children’s exhibits and craft group displays, were some of the other highlights which contributed to make this community effort such a success.
It was most gratifying to see the interest generated by our stand and to have the opportunity to meet and exchange information with local beekeepers, farmers and many keen gardeners. Topics of interest included the varroa threat, ethical swarm removal, bee hive hosting and especially planting for pollinators so the Wheen Bee Foundation planting guides were much appreciated. The Native Bee charts also caught the attention of both children and adults
The bright colours defining the children’s activity area of our stand, inspired conversations about how pollinators are attracted to flowers, in all colours of the rainbow. It was wonderful to see children of all ages having fun by putting on wings to become bees to pollinate sunflowers or by taking up the challenge of completing the beehive jigsaw puzzle.
Thanks again to Donna and to the Bacchus Marsh Community for making us so welcome.
Article by : John McCaskill October 2022
Rotarians for Bees is very grateful for the tremendous effort and support from our members, Robin Stewart, Judy Parslow, Ian Dempsey, Elizabeth Shepherd and Liz and John McCaskill.
Middle Image : Judy Parslow & Robin Stewart and Right Image : Judy Parslow helping children with the beehive jigsaw puzzle