Talkin’ bees at The Christmas Bush Garden Club Port Stephens Port Stephens News by News Of The Area - Modern Media - May 24, 2022May 24, 2022 A native blue banded bee. GARDENERS are, by nature, lovers of bees. With the Christmas Bush Garden Club activities back in full swing, members enjoyed a friendly catch up and an informative talk on bees at their 17 May meeting. Advertise with News of The Area today. It’s worth it for your business. Message us. Phone us – (02) 4981 8882. Email us – media@newsofthearea.com.au Betsy Hussin, co-founder and coordinator of EcoPollinators, a subgroup of Econetwork Port Stephens, was the guest speaker. Betsy shared lots of information on the varieties of native bees and demonstrated just how important they are for the pollination of all sorts of plants, not only native plants. She shared ideas on how to attract them by planting a wide variety of plants all year round. As with many native species, the loss of natural habitat is set to become a challenge for their survival. To add interest to the June meeting, members are putting together some miniature gardens with prizes in various categories. The club’s members are looking forward to an August coach trip to the Auburn Cherry Blossom Festival. Margaret Wilkinson, the Christmas Bush Garden Club Secretary, told News Of The Area, “The Club is looking to welcome new members offering like minded members of our community, young or old, male or female, the opportunity to get together to share garden ideas and activity. “We are aware that younger people were drawn to gardening during the COVID lockdowns. “They can come along and learn more from experienced gardeners as well as share their own ideas,” she said. The Club meets on the third Tuesday of each month at Nelson Bay Community Hall, Norburn Avenue, Nelson Bay. For enquiries, please contact Margaret on 49812881 or Membership Officer Sally Fitzgerald on 0488531777. By Marian SAMPSON