BEES
BEES are such an important part of our world. They are the most important pollinator of flowers, and essential for the production of fruit, vegetables, agricultural crops and seeds.
And we also love their honey.
In winter they are not so active in our gardens as like us they seek a warmer spot, namely their hives . 
However, on milder winter days they will leave the hive and search for fresh sources of food. 
We can help by growing some bee-attracting plants that flower in winter.
Much of our natives are excellent, such as winter-flowering grevillea, banksia and acacia species. Many are suitable for the home garden and some come in dwarf varieties.
Many introduced plants are attractive to bees.
Some flowering in my garden are rosemary and salvias. Bees are attracted to the colours blue, purple and yellow. If you have any lavender, nasturtiums or calendulas, the bees will be happy.
French lavender and winter basil, plus alyssum, Shirley poppies and violets are a few others that flower in winter.
A sign in a Chelsea garden a few years ago sent a warning:
“If the bee disappeared off the Earth’s surface, man would only have four years of life left.”
It gives you quite a jolt.

CAMELLIA JAPONICA
Camellias are at their best at this time of the year.