I have been struggling with a lack of bees on a constant basis here in SE Queensland , recently I had to change my attitude towards flowers , previous thoughts pretty yes sometimes edible yes some medicinal ok definitely yes , but they don't really put bulk on the table . I have previously grown zucchinis very successfully on our former herb farm but here they struggle , plants are great , look healthy flower well but the fruit doesn't develope , it seems pollination probably the problem . We are surrounded by masses of paperbarks which flower 4 times a year but in between we have a lack of bees , some honey some native but not many . So now to my attitude change , I recently took a walk to see if I could find any bees , and guess where they were , on my favourite weed that I love to pull out Ageratum the purple top ," garden escapee " I believe came from Scotland and was a cute little border plant with compact flower heads , so what does it do when it comes to Austalia , like some of the early convict settlers , it escapes and goes wild and it seems nothing eats it ,a ah utopia for ever, nothing to control it , except us . I now have to accept that even though really a weed it does have at least one use and for me that's good enough for the time being. I am also growing Calendula because of its long growing season ( it's also a good hair rinse for blondes) and it puts a smile on my face . So here is the question does anyone have a good seasonal list of flowering plants , perennials get 2 ticks from me , which are particularly good for bees and preferably have other uses as a sideline . For this I ( and the bees ) will be eternally grateful, happy gardening cheers Raymondo