a glimpse inside the gardens of
Mohammed Ali's House
Practices for the protection of Bees
MOHA is housed and operates in two important monuments of the city of Kavala, the Imaret and the house of Mohammed Ali. The restoration of the two monuments included the management of their gardens, although this action was not included in the contractual obligations of the investment. As a result, the two buildings offer large spaces of urban gardens, which contribute to the reduction of atmospheric pollution and further to the improvement of the air in the environment around them. At the same time, the trees with their dense foliage provide shelter to countless birds, while the planting was designed to attract pollinating insects. The presence of significant floral diversity allows many bees to find shelter, food and to reproduce.
Following the transformation of the gardens of Imaret and the Mohammed Ali's Museum into urban shelters for bees, with bee-friendly crops and practices, MOHA aims to attract more public gardens, institutions and individuals to adopt creative proposals for understanding and protection of the most precious being on the planet.
As long as man cares for the environment and its species, the bee will continue to fertilize the world. The bee can live without man, but can man live without it?
Urban bees shelters
Nomad bees live underground, in holes in trees or in hollow trunks. You can provide them with a safe haven by leaving them an untouched piece of land in the garden or by placing in gardens or walls special brick shelters created with the cooperation of the Polytechnic School of the Democritus University of Thrace.
Support local beekeepers and organizations
Information about global bee protection movements is essential. At the same time, by purchasing locally produced honey and beeswax products, you support local beekeepers who work hard and care for their bee communities. Follow the MOHA's educational programs, which take place in the garden of the Mohammed Ali's Museum.
Plantings
Creating a “bee garden” is a great way to start, planting native varieties and growing plants rich in nectar, colors and scents to attract them:
- flowers: rose, daisy, geranium, chrysanthemum, viconia, cyclamen, jasmine, honeysuckle
- herbs: honeysuckle, sage, rosemary, lavender, mint, marjoram, helichrysum, mint, oregano
- fruit trees: cherry, orange, pomegranate, cherry, plum
No use of chemicals
Pesticides, chemical fertilizers and herbicides destroy bees' delicate organs. Use organic products and natural solutions, such as compost, which helps the soil's fertility, or even beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which keep pests at bay.
Provision of water and food
Bees are thirsty and hungry searching for and collecting nectar. Bowls of clean water, pebbles and stones allow them to land for a cool breath, while a small amount of honey mixed with water is sufficient for the daily energy they need.
