Disclaimer
Just a quick heads-up: the info on this website is here to guide you on your green journey, but it's not the final word. We do our best to keep everything accurate, but Troppo and our team can't take responsibility for every opinion or detail shared. If you're diving into planting—whether it’s a cozy backyard project or a big commercial venture—we highly recommend chatting with local experts who know the ropes in your neck of the woods. They’ll help you pick the perfect plants and make sure your crops are a smashing success! Happy gardening! 🌱🌷
Troppo Plant and Garden Articles
19
Jul
Hey Plant Enthusiasts!
We’re creating an incredible, collaborative directory of nurseries, plant sellers, and suppliers throughout New Zealand, making it easier than ever for everyone to connect and find what they need. This comprehensive list includes a diverse range of nurseries, from family-ru...
16
Jul
Tauranga Plant Fest 2024
Get ready to dive into the ultimate plant paradise at Plant Fest, blooming back this Spring 2024! 🪴
Get ready to immerse yourself in the lush world of Plant Fest 2024, returning to Tauranga this Spring! This year’s event promises to be a paradise for plant enthusiasts, bringing together the best pl...
22
Oct
Kiwifruit naming 65th anniversary celebrated in Te Puke
We (Vector Group Charitable Trust/Troppo) are proud to support and collaborate with our community and other organisations like Epic Te Puke. A great night, we provided video and photo coverage of the event.
Photos here https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1MkNG-7PRdBTCjv3BTA8Sd3L7-AqCr1i8?usp=s...
11
Oct
Regional Kai Resilience Hui, Food Forest Tour + Lunch
Nau mai haere mai to the Regional Kai Resilience Network Hui in Ōmanawa. The purpose of this hui was to connect, share (resources, time, knowledge) and take the next steps for a "Kai Resilient and Connected Community." We toured a Syntropic Agroforestry Food Forest in Ōmanawa, followed by a hui and ...
25
Aug
NZ Issues Red Alert Over US-Banned Weedkiller Linked to Health Risks
The Environmental Protection Authority (EPA) has issued an urgent warning advising people to stop using a commonly used weedkiller due to serious health concerns, particularly its potential effects on unborn children.
The alert comes after the EPA initiated an investigation into the herbicide Dac...
24
Aug
Pawpaw in Invercargill? Tropical Fruit Thriving Down South!
Growing pawpaw in Invercargill and bananas in the Waikato might have seemed unusual in the past, but not anymore, says Aaron McCloy, a tropical fruit tree grower. McCloy, who owns Far North Tropicals, has been shipping his warmth-loving plants across New Zealand, and demand has quadrupled each year ...
11
Aug
Join Us for the Masquerade Parade Treat Trail 2024!
Get ready for a spooktacular afternoon of fun and festivities at the Masquerade Parade Treat Trail 2024! On Thursday, October 31st, from 3 PM to 5 PM, we invite you to join us in Downtown Te Puke for an exciting Halloween adventure. This family-friendly event promises treats, costumes, and lots of s...
23
Jul
Join Us as We Celebrate the 65th Renaming of the Kiwifruit! 🥝
Mark your calendars for Saturday, the 31st of August, as we gather to celebrate a momentous occasion - the 65th renaming of the beloved kiwifruit. This event promises to be a delightful evening filled with entertainment, delicious food, and community spirit. Event page here https://www.facebook.com/...
22
Jul
Kriso’s Food Forest Te Puke: Syntropic Agroforestry Model
Kriso's Food Forest.
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Te Puke, Kriso's Food Forest stands as a beacon of sustainable agriculture and community spirit. This vibrant sanctuary is a testament to nature's power and a thriving example of syntropic agroforestry in action. With generous support from Tr...
21
Jul
Food Forests Tauranga
Food Forests Tauranga Facebook group is a vibrant community of like-minded individuals who share a passion for growing food forests, regardless of their size. This group is dedicated to sharing and seeking local knowledge and experiences to enhance our collective understanding and success in food fo...
21
Jul
Discover the Wonders of Kotare Subtropicals in Northland
Nestled in the heart of Northland, Kotare Subtropicals is a treasure trove for plant enthusiasts and adventurers alike. Since its inception, this remarkable garden has flourished into a paradise of subtropical plants, offering a unique blend of beauty and tranquility. Whether you're a seasoned garde...
21
Jul
Discover the Magic of Land of the Lotus Watergardens & Banana Park in Whangarei!
Welcome to the Land of the Lotus Watergardens & Banana Park, a hidden gem in the heart of Whangarei that promises an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike. Since 2017, this enchanting haven has been meticulously crafted into a tropical paradise, brimming with vibrant f...
20
Jul
Welcome Swallow
The Graceful Welcome Swallow of New Zealand
The Welcome Swallow (Hirundo neoxena) is a small, agile bird that has become a familiar sight in New Zealand's skies. Originally from Australia, the Welcome Swallow began establishing itself in New Zealand in the 20th century and is ...
20
Jul
Tui
The Unique Tui of New Zealand
The Tui (Prosthemadera novaeseelandiae) is one of New Zealand's most distinctive and beloved native birds. Known for its iridescent plumage and complex vocalizations, the Tui is a common sight in forests, gardens, and urban areas across the countr...
20
Jul
Starling
The Versatile Starling of New Zealand
The Starling (Sturnus vulgaris), introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 19th century, is a highly adaptable and versatile bird. Known for its iridescent plumage and diverse vocalizations, the Starling has become a common and widespread presence in...
20
Jul
Song Thrush
The Melodious Song Thrush of New Zealand
The Song Thrush (Turdus philomelos), introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 19th century, is renowned for its beautiful and varied song. This medium-sized thrush is now a common sight in gardens, parks, and forests across the country, delighting listen...
20
Jul
Silvereye
The Charming Silvereye of New Zealand
The Silvereye (Zosterops lateralis), also known as the Wax-eye, is a small, attractive bird native to New Zealand. Recognizable by its distinctive white eye-ring, the Silvereye is a common and endearing presence in gardens, forests, and urban areas acro...
20
Jul
Myna
The Invasive Myna of New Zealand
The Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis), also known as the Indian Myna, is an introduced species in New Zealand. Known for its adaptability and aggressive behavior, the Myna has become a common sight in urban and suburban areas, often causing co...
20
Jul
Kereru
The Majestic Kererū of New Zealand
The Kererū (Hemiphaga novaeseelandiae), also known as the New Zealand Pigeon, is one of the most iconic and recognizable birds native to New Zealand. Known for its large size, iridescent plumage, and important ecological role, the Kererū is a treasured spe...
20
Jul
House Sparrow
The Ubiquitous House Sparrow of New Zealand
The House Sparrow (Passer domesticus), introduced to New Zealand in the 19th century, is one of the most common and recognizable birds in the country. Known for its adaptability and close association with human habitats, the House Sparrow is a familiar pr...
20
Jul
Grey Warbler
The Melodious Grey Warbler of New Zealand
The Grey Warbler (Gerygone igata), known as "Riroriro" in Māori, is one of New Zealand's smallest and most vocal native birds. Recognizable by its distinctive song and subtle plumage, the Grey Warbler is a common sight in gardens, fore...
20
Jul
Greenfinch
The Vivid Greenfinch of New Zealand
The Greenfinch (Chloris chloris), also known as the European Greenfinch, was introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 19th century. Known for its striking green and yellow plumage, the Greenfinch is a common sight in gardens, parks, and ...
20
Jul
Goldfinch
The Colorful Goldfinch of New Zealand
The Goldfinch (Carduelis carduelis), introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 19th century, is a small bird known for its vibrant plumage and cheerful song. These birds have become a common sight in gardens, farmland, and open country ...
20
Jul
Fantail
The Energetic Fantail of New Zealand
The Fantail (Rhipidura fuliginosa), known as "Pīwakawaka" in Māori, is one of New Zealand's most charming and acrobatic native birds. Recognizable by its distinctive fanned tail and energetic flight patterns, the Fantail is a beloved presence in gardens, forests...
20
Jul
Dunnock
The Secretive Dunnock of New Zealand
The Dunnock (Prunella modularis), also known as the Hedge Sparrow, is a small, inconspicuous bird that was introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the late 19th century. Despite its plain appearance, the Dunnock has an interesting behavior...
20
Jul
Chaffinch
The Vibrant Chaffinch of New Zealand
The Chaffinch (Fringilla coelebs) is a small passerine bird introduced to New Zealand from Europe in the 19th century. Known for its colorful plumage and cheerful song, the Chaffinch has become a common sight in gardens, parks, and forests ...
20
Jul
Blackbird
The Adaptable Blackbird of New Zealand
The Blackbird (Turdus merula) is a familiar sight in New Zealand, known for its striking black plumage and melodious song. Originally from Europe, the Blackbird has successfully established itself across New Zealand, becoming a common res...
20
Jul
Bellbird
The Melodic Bellbird of New Zealand
The Bellbird (Anthornis melanura), known as the "Korimako" or "Makomako" in Māori, is a small passerine bird endemic to New Zealand. Recognized for its distinctive and melodious song, the Bellbird plays a crucial role in the native ecosystem...
19
Jul
Get Listed Today! (FREE)
If you sell plants or plant-related products, please share your details below and become part of our easy-access network! Join us in making plant shopping a breeze for everyone in New Zealand. 🌿🌺🌱 Fill out the form below and we will get you listed. You can view the current list here https://www.trop...
18
Jul
🌱 Sowing Sweet Peas to Make a Sweet Pea Teepee 🌈
Hey there, awesome kids! 🌟 Have you ever wanted a secret hideout in your backyard? How about one that's super pretty and smells amazing? Guess what? We're going to make a Sweet Pea Teepee! 🎪✨ This is a fun and magical project where we get to plant seeds, watch them grow, and create a cool hangout sp...
17
Jul
Durian REACTS with TROPPO – The Taste: Sweet, Savory, and WTF? 🤷♂️🍬🧄
Reaction to Eating Durian: The Worst Fruit in the World! 😂🤢
Durian, often crowned the "King of Fruits," might just as well be the court jester given the reactions it provokes! With a smell that could knock over a sumo wrestler and a taste that sends taste buds on a rollercoaster, this fruit is as i...
17
Jul
Te Puke Spring Clean & Pizza Bash
Join Us for the Te Puke Spring Clean and Pizza Party!
Date: Friday, 20 September 2024
Time: Starts at 3 PM (Arrive anytime)
Location: The Daily Cafe
As the vibrant colors of spring begin to bloom, there's no better time to come together and make Te Puke shine! We invite you, your family, frien...
15
Jul
Cryptic Rhymes and Garden Vines: Eminem’s Triple Entendres and Plant Puns
Eminem's new album, The Death of Slim Shady (Coup de Grâce), has just dropped, marking the end of an era. After months of cryptic hints and teasers about the fate of his notorious alter ego, Slim Shady, the full story is finally here. Whether you love his new conceptual album or not, it has soared t...
15
Jul
Understanding and Applying SMART Goals to Garden Maintenance and Food Forests
SMART is an acronym that stands for Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, and Time-bound. This framework is widely used to set clear, actionable objectives. Let’s break down each component:
Specific: Goals should be clear and specific, answering the questions of who, what, where, when, an...
14
Jul
🌟 What’s a Cherimoya Fruit? 🌟
Hey there, garden adventurers! 🌿 Meet Leilani, a young kiwi who absolutely loves her backyard garden. Today, she's going to take us on a fun journey to discover a special fruit called the Cherimoya! 🍈
👩🌾 Who is Leilani? 👩🌾
Leilani is an enthusiastic kid who spends most of her time exploring the ...
13
Jul
A little guidance on selecting plants for a specific purpose, such as privacy screening, erosion control, and attracting wildlife in New Zealand
Selecting the right plants for landscaping in New Zealand requires considering the specific purpose of the landscaping project. Here are some recommendations for different purposes:
Privacy Screening
Pittosporum tenuifolium (Kohuhu)
Features: Dark green to purple-black leaves, small fragr...
12
Jul
My gluten free meal plan for today, what’s yours?
My meal plan ensures a balance of proteins, healthy fats, and carbohydrates while incorporating the fresh produce from my garden and food forest in Te Puke. Enjoy your meals!
Breakfast
Tropical Smoothie Bowl:
Ingredients:
1 cup coconut milk or almond milk
1 banana
1 cup fresh pinea...
11
Jul
The Importance of Critique and Feedback in the Plant and Garden Community
Critique and feedback play a crucial role in the plant and garden community. Whether you are a novice gardener or an experienced horticulturist, constructive feedback helps improve skills, fosters learning, and builds a supportive community. This is particularly important when dealing with tropical ...
10
Jul
Plant Swaps and Community Gardens: Engaging with local plant enthusiasts through plant swaps and community gardening projects to share knowledge and resources.
Engaging with local plant enthusiasts through plant swaps and community gardening projects is a fantastic way to share knowledge, resources, and foster a sense of community. Here’s how you can get involved in plant swaps and community gardens to enrich your gardening experience and connect with fell...
09
Jul
Planting different species together to enhance growth, repel pests, and improve soil health.
Companion planting is a gardening technique where different plant species are grown together to benefit one another. This method can enhance growth, repel pests, and improve soil health. Here’s a guide on how to use companion planting to create a thriving and harmonious garden.
Benefits of Companio...