weed control - Troppo - Plants that Make you Happy

15 Jun

A Day of Transformation: Diving Deep into the Te Puna Food Forest Install

Posted by Troppo

June 15, 2025

Today, the air in Te Puna buzzed with excitement and the promise of a greener future as the Food Forests Tauranga Group hosted a highly anticipated Food Forest Install at Lindsay and Scotty’s picturesque property. This wasn't just a planting day; it was a masterclass in ecological design, transformi...

13 Feb

Troppo Articles

Holly Havoc: The Invasive Charm of Ilex aquifolium & Ilex cornuta in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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

Troppo Articles

Beware the Beauty: The Invasive Charm of Bear’s Breeches in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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

Troppo Articles

The Tangled Tale of Old Man’s Beard: An Invasive Invader in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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

Troppo Articles

The Puzzling Problem of Contorta Pine: An Invader of New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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

Troppo Articles

The Fluffy Foe: Battling Woolly Mullein – Verbascum thapsus in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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...

A Green Grass with White Clouds on the Blue Sky

08 Dec

Troppo Articles

How can I rejuvenate my patchy lawn?

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Question. My lawn is not growing very well. It is patchy. What can i do to rejuvenate the lawn and when? Answer. Having a lush, green lawn is a dream for many homeowners, but sometimes, despite our best efforts, the grass just doesn't grow as well as we'd like. If your lawn is patchy and struggli...

22 Feb

Troppo Articles

The Persistent Pest: Tackling Twin Cress – Lepidium didymum in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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 Oct

Troppo Articles

Lawn Care Essentials: Maintaining a Lush Green Lawn in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

Welcome to the ultimate guide for achieving a lush, green lawn in New Zealand! Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a lawn care novice, we've got you covered with fun and practical tips to keep your grass looking fabulous all year round. Let's dive into the essentials of lawn care! 1. Mowing Magic...

11 Aug

Troppo Articles

Dock the Invader: The Trouble with Rumex in New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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

Troppo Articles

Wild Ginger: The Beautiful but Invasive Invader of New Zealand

Posted by Troppo

April 28, 2025

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...

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