Posts by Troppo

27 Mar

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

“Hei Tiki” email response

• March 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Mauri, my plant family. This morning, I received an email questioning my branding, expressing concerns that it might diminish the integrity of my mahi through misappropriation. It caught me off guard, but I acknowledge the importance of these kōrero. Conversations around culture, identity, and resp...

Continue reading

26 Mar

Exploring New Zealand

“Weeding for Wildlife: Help Restore Kotukutuku Gully!”

• March 26, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Join the Kotukutuku Gully Weeding Bee and Make a Difference Nature needs a helping hand, and you can be part of the solution! The Maketū Wetland Society (MOWS), in collaboration with the Kotukutuku Gully group, invites you to a hands-on conservation event to tackle pesky pest plants and restore the...

Continue reading

26 Mar

Te Puke

Wetlands restoration in Te Puke with FRUITION’s Hei Whanake

• March 26, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

As part of Vector Group Charitable Trust, Troppo is documenting the comprehensive wetlands restoration project in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty. Today marked the commencement of planting a significant number of native flora, a crucial step in rejuvenating our region's natural resources. In a few weeks, the...

Continue reading

25 Mar

Delicious Recipes

Fermenting Fun: Kefir, Salted Butternut Ferment & Feijoa Fizz!

• March 25, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Last night, disaster struck—the hot water cylinder blew! So instead of showering, let's embrace the funk another way—with some ferments! Who needs warm water when you have bubbling jars of probiotic goodness to keep things exciting? The stars of today's fermenting session come straight from Troppo’...

Continue reading

22 Mar

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz), Te Puke

The Easiest Way to Harvest Banana Bunches – Plus an Exciting Ice Cream Project & Saying Goodbye to a Giant!

• March 22, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Troppo shares key activities and insights while preparing for the 'Flavours of Plenty' event and managing their garden. The focus is on banana harvesting techniques, replacing banana clumps with rarer varieties, and handling an overgrown 'green Abyssinian.' https://youtu.be/2jdGwuTpcbc Harvesting ...

Continue reading

21 Mar

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz), Exploring New Zealand, Te Puke

A Green Encounter: When Green and Wild Visited Troppo’s Urban Tropical Food Forest

• March 21, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

It's not every day that your passion project catches the attention of someone who shares your vision for a greener, more sustainable world. That's exactly what happened when Bahareh from Green and Wild visited our Troppo urban tropical food forest and nursery in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty. The excitemen...

Continue reading

16 Mar

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz), Community Gardens, Te Puke

🌿 Te Puke’s Green Gems: A Day of Community and Cultivation 🌿

• March 16, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

On Sunday, March 16th, the Bay of Plenty buzzed with excitement as local community gardens opened their gates for a special event. Among these verdant havens, two Te Puke treasures stood out: the Te Puke Community Garden and Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre. But that’s not all—Troppo’s very own...

Continue reading

16 Mar

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz), Community Gardens

Community Garden Open Day Bay of Plenty and Rotorua

• March 16, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Explore Your Local Community Gardens! Local Community Gardens are throwing open their gates to share what they do. Whether you're a gardening enthusiast, a curious visitor, or someone looking to get involved, this is the perfect opportunity to connect with like-minded individuals and discover the i...

Continue reading

05 Mar

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz), Te Puke

Introducing TROPPO’s Kai and Canopy – Growing, Harvesting, and Feasting Together! 🌱🍽️

• March 5, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Welcome to TROPPO's Food Forest Kai and Canopy, our YouTube channel where we take you on a journey from plant to plate! 🌿🥑🍍 Whether you’re a tropical grower, a food forest enthusiast, or just someone who loves the idea of harvesting your own kai, this channel is for you! What You Can Expect on TR...

Continue reading

02 Mar

Te Puke

🌿 Giggles Garden Glow-Up: Growing, Learning & Digging in Together! 🌱

• March 2, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Exciting things are happening at Giggles Te Puke Early Learning Centre! Their amazing food forest is about to get a fresh burst of life, and guess what? The whole community is invited to join in the fun! A Garden That Gives Back! At Giggles, the garden isn’t just about growing plants—it’s about ...

Continue reading

28 Feb

Podcast

Plumeria Variety Compendium: Names, Descriptions, and Grower Notes

• March 28, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

The document is a compilation of information about various plumeria varieties. It includes descriptions of flower colors, sizes, fragrances, and growth habits, as well as cultural significance across different countries. Additionally, the source provides insights into naming conventions used by grow...

Continue reading

27 Feb

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz), Te Puke

Experience Global Flavors at The Daily’s Kitchen Pop-Up Series!

• February 27, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Are you ready for a culinary adventure that takes your taste buds on a journey across the globe? The Daily is bringing an exclusive Kitchen Pop-Up Series, offering a unique dining experience that showcases vibrant international cuisines. With limited seats available, now’s the time to secure your sp...

Continue reading

26 Feb

Te Puke

The Inspiring Journey of Meeting Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo and Joining His Vision for “The Rock” Papamoa Community Gardens

• February 26, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Fourteen years ago, in 2011, the Vector Group Charitable Trust was established, driven by a shared passion for community development, sustainable living, and empowerment. This was the same year that my journey took a remarkable turn when I met Owen Mania Takuira-Ngaropo, the founder of "The Rock" Pa...

Continue reading

25 Feb

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz), Te Puke

🌱 Youth Getting Into Syntropic Agroforestry: A Visit from Jared 🌱

• February 25, 2025
• By Troppo
• 2 comments

The future of regenerative agriculture and food security is bright when young growers step up! 🌿🌏 It’s always exciting to see passionate youth diving into the world of syntropic agroforestry. Recently, I had the pleasure of hosting Jared and his father, Steve, for a tour of Troppo’s tropical food fo...

Continue reading

24 Feb

Te Puke

Te Puke 2025 Teams Summit – A Night of Collaboration, Connection & Kiwifruit!

• February 24, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Te Puke, get ready! The Te Puke 2025 Teams Summit is happening soon, and you’re invited to be part of the action! Whether you're a business, a community group, a club, or just someone passionate about shaping the future of our town, this is your chance to connect, collaborate, and contribute. 📅 Dat...

Continue reading

24 Feb

Te Puke

One Man’s Trash-Busting Mission – But He Needs Your Help!

• February 24, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Te Puke’s got a new hero – and he’s armed with nothing but a passion for keeping our town clean! Meet Craig Wallace, the one-man clean-up crew who’s on a mission to make Te Puke shine. But let’s be real – he can’t do it alone. Te Puke has officially joined the Keep New Zealand Beautiful family, tha...

Continue reading

24 Feb

Exploring New Zealand, Te Puke

Restoring Te Puke’s Wetlands: A Community-Driven Environmental Revival

• March 28, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

At the heart of Te Puke, the Western Bay of Plenty District Council is leading an ambitious wetland restoration project, dedicated to revitalizing the natural ecosystem surrounding beloved local landmarks, including Blaymires' Tinkerbell's Garden, the BMX pump track, Te Puke Dog Park, and the Te Ara...

Continue reading

23 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana Ensete ventricosum (Ethiopian Banana, Green Abyssinian Banana)

• February 23, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Just as you explore the rich biodiversity of banana plants, you’ll discover the unique qualities of Ensete ventricosum, commonly known as the Ethiopian or Green Abyssinian Banana. This fascinating plant is not only valued for its agricultural significance in Ethiopia but also for its striking orname...

Continue reading

22 Feb

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

Sorting Shelving & Preparing for Winter in Te Puke 🌱❄️

• February 22, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

As the temperatures start to drop in the Bay of Plenty, it’s time to shift gears and prepare the plants for winter. While we don’t experience extreme frosts like some other regions, cooler nights, damp conditions, and occasional cold snaps can slow down growth and impact some of the more sensitive t...

Continue reading

20 Feb

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future

• February 20, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Our Mission: Cultivating a Thriving, Regenerative Future We are committed to creating a thriving, sustainable food forest that not only nourishes our local community but also serves as a model for regenerative agriculture in the Bay of Plenty and beyond. By fostering deep connections between people...

Continue reading

20 Feb

Te Puke

Proposal for a Kai Resilience-Based Community Food Forest in Te Puke

• February 26, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Submitted to: Te Puke Community Board For Consideration by: Western Bay of Plenty District Council Prepared by: Date: Introduction This proposal seeks the endorsement and support of the Te Puke Community Board and Western Bay of Plenty District Council for the establishment of a Ka...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Goldfinger’ – The Disease-Resistant Banana for Reliable Harvests

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Goldfinger bananas, grown locally in our Te Puke, Bay of Plenty food forest, offer an exceptional alternative to traditional varieties, especially in the face of plant diseases that threaten banana crops. This disease-resistant cultivar thrives in our region, standing strong against challenges like ...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Anthurium Coriaceum 'Paddle Leaf' – A Striking Collector’s Choice

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Anthurium is not just another plant; the stunning Paddle Leaf variety stands out with its unique leaf shape that resembles a paddle, making it a coveted addition to any plant enthusiast's collection. You'll appreciate its tropical appeal and adaptability, thriving in a variety of conditions. However...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Which White Sapote variety should i choose to plant for a new zealand food forest

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Many gardeners in New Zealand are discovering the benefits of growing White Sapote in their food forests, but choosing the right variety is vital for success. Some cultivars tolerate cooler temperatures better, while others produce smoother, creamier fruit with superior flavor. Since New Zealand’s c...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana Ensete ventricosum ‘Maurelii’ (Red Abyssinian Banana)

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

There's something captivating about the Banana Ensete ventricosum 'Maurelii', commonly known as the Red Abyssinian Banana. With its stunning variegated leaves and spectacular flowers, this tropical beauty adds a vibrant touch to any garden. At Troppo's food forest in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, you can ...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Aeschynanthus Parvifolium ‘Lipstick Plant’

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

You may be looking for a vibrant, low-maintenance houseplant, and Aeschynanthus Parvifolium, commonly known as the Lipstick Plant, is an excellent choice. This tropical beauty features cascading vines with glossy green foliage and striking tubular red flowers that resemble a tube of lipstick. Native...

Continue reading

17 Feb

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

20 reasons to create a food forest in new zealand

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

1. **Promotes Biodiversity**: Food forests support a diverse array of plants and wildlife, contributing to ecosystem health. 2. **Sustainable Food Production**: They provide a sustainable source of fresh fruits, nuts, and vegetables, reducing dependence on store-bought produce. 3. **Soil Health Im...

Continue reading

16 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Musa Acuminata var. Zebrina’ – The Striking Blood Banana

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Grown in Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, NZ, the Banana Musa Acuminata var. Zebrina, popularly known as the Striking Blood Banana, has captivated plant enthusiasts with its vibrant foliage and unique appearance. Its striking red and green speckled leaves add a dramatic flair to any garden or indoor space, m...

Continue reading

16 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Nono’ – A Unique and Hardy Banana for Specialty Growers

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Most banana enthusiasts and specialty growers are always on the lookout for unique and resilient varieties to diversify their crops. Grown locally in our Te Puke, Bay of Plenty food forest, the Banana ‘Nono’ stands out as an exceptional choice, offering remarkable hardiness and a distinct flavor pro...

Continue reading

16 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Creating a Thriving Food Forest with Tropicals in Te Puke

• February 22, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

In Te Puke, Bay of Plenty, we are bringing together a diverse selection of plants to create a thriving food forest, incorporating a mix of tropical and subtropical species suited to our unique climate. By carefully selecting and layering plants—ranging from hardy bananas and taro to rare exotic frui...

Continue reading

16 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Colocasia esculenta ‘Pharaoh’s Mask’ – A Statement Plant for Your Garden

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Few plants command attention quite like Colocasia esculenta 'Pharaoh’s Mask'. This striking elephant ear variety boasts deep green, heavily veined leaves with dark, almost black ridges that create a dramatic, sculptural effect. The veins protrude outward, making the foliage appear almost three-dimen...

Continue reading

15 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana 'Red Tiger Sikimensis' – A Stunning Cold-Hardy Red Banana

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

There's an exquisite variety of banana plant that can enhance your garden while thriving in cooler climates: the Banana 'Red Tiger Sikimensis.' This cold-hardy variety not only boasts unique red and green stripe foliage, but it also produces large leaves that create a tropical ambiance in your outdo...

Continue reading

15 Feb

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Cultivating Abundance: The Rise of Food Forests in New Zealand

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

**Title: Cultivating Abundance: The Rise of Food Forests in New Zealand** In the heart of New Zealand’s lush landscapes, a quiet revolution is taking root. Food forests, a concept as old as nature itself, are gaining momentum as a sustainable and regenerative way to grow food, restore ecosystems,...

Continue reading

14 Feb

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Food Forest Directory of New Zealand

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

The collation of Foodforests.nz URLs and descriptions is a comprehensive directory of food forests across New Zealand. This resource aims to highlight and showcase the diverse range of food forest initiatives, offering an invaluable guide for enthusiasts, growers, educators, and community groups. Th...

Continue reading

14 Feb

* Food Forests of New Zealand (www.foodforests.nz)

Welcome to FoodForests.nz! 🌱🌿

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Step into a world where gardens transform into thriving ecosystems, and every plant tells a story of resilience, connection, and abundance. At FoodForests.nz, we are passionate about empowering individuals, families, and communities across New Zealand to create lush, sustainable food forests that in...

Continue reading

14 Feb

* TROPPO's Food Forest in Te Puke, BOP (www.foodforest.org.nz)

Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

A Hub for Kai Resilience, Food Security, and Rare Tropical Plants Welcome to our Urban Residential Food Forest in Te Puke — a living example of sustainable, community-focused growing. Nestled in the heart of New Zealand’s kiwifruit capital, this space is more than just a garden; it’s a thriving eco...

Continue reading

14 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana 'Golden Lotus' – A Rare Ornamental Banana with a Stunning Bloom

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Just imagine transforming your garden into a tropical paradise with the Banana 'Golden Lotus', a rare ornamental banana known for its breathtaking blooms. This unique plant not only adds a visual spectacle but also brings a touch of the exotic to your landscape. As you explore into the remarkable fe...

Continue reading

13 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Musa Coccinea’ – The Scarlet Banana with Exotic Flowers

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Many tropical fruit enthusiasts might be intrigued by the stunning Banana 'Musa Coccinea', commonly known as the Scarlet Banana. This remarkable plant not only produces edible fruit but also boasts striking red and orange flowers that can enhance any garden or landscape. As you research into the wor...

Continue reading

12 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Rajapuri’ – The Sweet, Low-Maintenance Banana for Home Gardens

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

With its exceptional sweetness and easy care requirements, the Banana 'Rajapuri' is an ideal choice for your home garden. This hardy banana variety not only thrives in various climates but also produces delicious fruit that can enhance your culinary creations. You'll appreciate how simple it is to g...

Continue reading

11 Feb

* Troppo's Plant Collection

Banana ‘Musa Williams’ – The Compact Banana with High-Yield Potential

• February 18, 2025
• By Troppo
• 0 comments

Over time, you may have wished for a banana variety that combines high yield with a manageable size for your garden or indoor space. The 'Musa Williams' banana offers just that, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned gardeners and beginners alike. This compact cultivar not only produces an impr...

Continue reading