Blackberries, hydrangeas, grapevines, dried fennel stems held together in a larger piece of bamboo
Borer holes
Drill holes into cut logs
Burrow into clay-rich soils
Sifted clay packed into earthenware pipes or concrete building blocks
A weather proof house, Sophie is using an old CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) television.*
Corflute Sheet (also known as project panel - available from hardware stores). Attach this to the inside ceiling of the bee hotel to keep the rain out.
A range of different diameter materials eg terracotta pipe, bamboo stalks, clay-filled pipes to fill the television casing (see below).
Strip foliage from main stem and then cut stem into lengths making sure there is at least 10 - 15 centimetres of pithy stem between joints. Tie cut pieces together with twine and place them in the 'hotel.'
Cut bamboo stalks into sections leaving 10 - 15 cm of hollow stem between joints with an enclosed end to entice the bees.
Use untreated sections of cut logs. Using a variety of drill bits ranging from 3 mm - 8 mm, drill holes into log to a depth of at least 10 cm. Space the holes around 2 cm apart. Use sharp drill bits to minimise burrs to keep the tunnels smooth and inviting.
Pack sifted clay into earthenware pipes or concrete blocks. Using a poker that is 8mm wide, push holes into clay around 10 - 15cm deep into the pipe.