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! 🌱🌷
The Weed Files
13
Feb
Greetings, fellow garden enthusiasts and nature warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re uncovering the prickly truth about Holly – specifically, Ilex aquifolium (English Holly) and Ilex cornuta (Chinese Holly). These festive-looking plants may conjure up images of holiday cheer with their spiky leaves and bright r...
20
Dec
Beware the Beauty: The Invasive Charm of Bear’s Breeches in New Zealand
Hey there, nature protectors and plant aficionados! 🌿 Have you ever encountered the striking Bear's Breeches, or Acanthus mollis, in your garden or local wild spaces? This plant, with its bold foliage and towering flower spikes, might look like a garden superstar. But behind its stunning appearance ...
04
Dec
The Tangled Tale of Old Man’s Beard: An Invasive Invader in New Zealand
Hello, fellow nature lovers and weed warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re unraveling the story of one of New Zealand’s most notorious invasive plants: Old Man’s Beard, or Clematis vitalba. This fast-growing vine might look like a fairy tale with its fluffy, beard-like seeds, but don’t be fooled! It’s more like ...
07
May
The Puzzling Problem of Contorta Pine: An Invader of New Zealand
Hello, nature lovers and environmental champions! 🌲 Today, we’re focusing on a tree that’s causing quite a stir in New Zealand’s landscapes: the Contorta Pine. Known botanically as Pinus contorta and commonly referred to as Lodgepole Pine or P. murrayana, this tree is part of the Pinaceae family. Wh...
25
Apr
The Fluffy Foe: Battling Woolly Mullein – Verbascum thapsus in New Zealand
Hello, fellow gardeners and nature defenders! 🌿 Today, we’re turning the spotlight on a plant that might look soft and innocent but is causing big problems across New Zealand: Woolly Mullein, or Verbascum thapsus. This tall, fuzzy invader with its bright yellow flowers is more than just an unusual s...
22
Feb
The Persistent Pest: Tackling Twin Cress – Lepidium didymum in New Zealand
Hello, green thumbs and eco-warriors! 🌿 Today, we’re shedding light on a small but mighty invader that’s been creeping its way across New Zealand’s gardens and farmlands: Twin Cress, or Lepidium didymum. This tiny troublemaker may be easy to overlook, but its impact on our ecosystems is significant....
11
Aug
Dock the Invader: The Trouble with Rumex in New Zealand
Hey there, nature enthusiasts and garden guardians! 🌿 Have you ever come across those pesky plants with broad, paddle-like leaves in your backyard or paddock? Meet Dock – specifically, Rumex obtusifolius (Broad-leaved Dock), Rumex pulcher (Fiddle Dock), and Rumex conglomeratus (Clustered Dock). Thes...
26
Nov
Wild Ginger: The Beautiful but Invasive Invader of New Zealand
Hello, nature guardians and green enthusiasts! 🌿 Today, we’re taking a closer look at a pair of plants that are as captivating as they are problematic: Wild Ginger, specifically Hedychium gardnerianum (Kahili Ginger) and Hedychium flavescens (Yellow Ginger). These exotic beauties, while stunning, po...