Gardening is not just about beautifying our homes or harvesting our own produce; it's also about creating a sanctuary for the local wildlife. One Australian woman's simple yet ingenious gardening trick has captured the hearts and minds of Aussies nationwide, proving that sometimes the best solutions are the ones we overlook.

Sharon Preston, a resident of a rural area near Donnybrook, south of Perth, has shared a gardening tip that is both excellent for the environment and a delight for the local fauna. On her sprawling 10-acre property, Sharon has been using dried banksia cones in a novel way that has other garden enthusiasts buzzing with excitement.


A couple of years ago, while tending to her garden, Sharon picked up some dried banksia cones to use as kindling for her wood fire. However, she also recognised another use for these natural treasures. 'I also place them around the garden for creatures to hide in or around. It looks nice too,' Sharon told Yahoo News Australia. But she decided to add them to her bird baths that has since thrilled thousands of Australians.


The banksia cones, with their multiple seed pods, provide a safe platform for bees to drink from without the risk of drowning—a common hazard for these tiny insects, as bees cannot swim. Sharon observed that the bees from her two hives could 'suckle on the cone' as it absorbed water, allowing them to hydrate safely and efficiently.


This simple yet effective method has been in use on Sharon's property for about two years, with regular water changes to keep the baths fresh. Over a recent weekend, Sharon captured a video of bees eagerly enjoying the moisture from the dried flowers and shared it online, not realising the impact it would have.

'I had an idea I wanted to share. Banksia cones are great for the bees to have a drink on, and they last a long time in my water baths/bowl,' she wrote in a Facebook group dedicated to bees. The response was overwhelming, with more than 20,000 Aussies thrilled by her 'great' trick.

The beauty of Sharon's trick lies in its simplicity and sustainability. Unlike foam tools, which can break down and potentially harm the environment, banksia cones are a natural and long-lasting solution. Fellow bee enthusiasts were quick to express their admiration for the 'clever' move, with many saying they 'would never have thought of it.'


Responses ranged from excitement to gratitude, with many planning to adopt the trick in their own gardens. 'Oh, I love this idea. I normally use rocks and aquarium bridges, but I would prefer this,' one person responded. Another announced, 'I'm gonna go find some now...good thinking!'

Sharon's advice extends beyond her own rural setting, encouraging even those in suburbia to 'look after what you’ve got there, including planting native flowers and shrubs.' Her passion for nature and her willingness to share her discoveries have inspired many to take a closer look at how they can support their local ecosystems.

So, dear readers, whether you have a sprawling garden or a modest balcony, consider how you might incorporate Sharon's banksia cone trick into your space. Not only will you be providing a safe haven for bees, but you'll also be contributing to the health of our environment. And who knows? You might just discover your own gardening trick that will have Aussies everywhere saying, 'Why didn't I think of that?'

We'd love to hear from you! Have you tried any unique gardening tricks to help local wildlife? Share your experiences and tips in the comments below, and let's continue to nurture our love for Australia's weird and wonderful environment together.