Gan Gefen have been learning that our garden is home to many insects, each with unique roles in the ecosystem. We have helpful pollinators like bees and butterflies, soil-enriching worms, and natural pest controllers like ladybugs and spiders. However, not all of these insects can thrive or live safely. Predators and changing weather pose constant challenges for some. Whilst bees gather pollen and ants busily collect food, others, like caterpillars, must stay hidden to avoid being spotted by birds or other predators. Each insect’s presence plays a part in the balance of life in the garden, even if not all of them find it a safe haven.

Bug hotels provide shelter and nesting sites to native and migratory solitary insects. It also protects them from predators. Therefore this week, Gan Gefen visited Bunnings Hawthorn to create their very own bug hotel.

The session was led by John and Kristina. The children first decorated their pots before adding materials such as small stones, dried coconut fiber, mini bamboo, sticks and dried leaves inside them. We had an earwig make an appearance and it became the first guest to live in John’s bug hotel.

The children loved making their own bug hotels and learning more about protecting ecosystems.

Lisa Lu
Early Childhood Teacher