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Index > Garden Blog

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Cat Horoscope
Virgo Zodiac Cats 08/22-09/23

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

Virgo Zodiac cat

How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats...
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Purrrrfect office companions!

Are you someone who occasionally finds themselves in a state of disarray, struggling to maintain a tidy living space and manage your time effectively? Do you often find yourself behind schedule, struggling to fulfill your plans punctually? If this sounds familiar, let the Virgo Cat lend a helping paw to restore order and rhythm to your life... The Virgo Cats are more than just a pet; it's a dedicated companion that excels at instilling structure and cleanliness...
Eventually, you will realise that they want to accompany you to the office to be your office mate. This is why Virgo cats spread themselves over your laptop or sit deliberately in front of the screen - it is not because they need your attention, but because they (and you!) need to get to work...

Jacques - September, Virgo Zodiac cat

In the photo: introducing a new member of Top Tropicals PeopleCats family - Jacques, September cat by point of entry. He is only 5 months old and still learning how to be an office cat... but he already has very daring plans!

Virgo Zodiac Plants

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Time to plant some Winter Bloomers!

Orange Cat at the edge

Winter is upon us, but for tropical gardeners, it's the perfect time to enjoy. As the days grow shorter and the heat of summer subsides, Fall planting brings its own advantages. It's not so hot now, making it the ideal moment to dive into the enchanting realm of winter flowering plants. Don't miss out on the opportunity to add some tropical gems to your plant collection and keep the spirit of summer alive all winter long.

Plant them now to enjoy winter flowers!

Orange Cat at the edge

In the photo: in full bloom now - Justicia carnea - Pink Brazilian Plume, Jacobinia. Spectacular pink flowers, butterfly and hummingbird attractor. The plant is relatively cold hardy to light freeze and grows back from roots even if leaves are damaged.

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We remember 9/11. We must never forget.

9-11 American Flag and Cat

As September 11th arrives once again, our hearts are heavy with memories of the fateful day that forever changed our nation. We remember the lives lost, the heroes who emerged, and the enduring resilience of our country.
As we pay tribute to the past, we recommit ourselves to building a brighter future. Remember to focus on the beauty that surrounds us every day - the kindness of a stranger, the laughter of loved ones, the warmth of a sunrise. In these simple moments, we will find solace and inspiration.

Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia

In the Photo: Flamboyant tree, Royal poinciana, Delonix regia - one of the most popular tropical trees covered with bright red orchid-like flowers from late winter through early summer.
"The Royal Poinciana is one of the most spectacular flowering trees in the USA, and probably among the top 10 on this planet. In full bloom, it is like a regal elephant caparisoned in red and yellow brilliance." (Larry M. Schokman, The Kampong, National Tropical Botanic Garden)

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NEW VIDEO:
My new Jaboticaba fruit tree from Top Tropicals

Link to YouTube Video

By Scott Riddle

For those new to plant mail orders, common questions arise: Can live plants be shipped successfully? What's the secret to safe packaging and a secure journey?
Scott Riddle, our California customer, is here to spill the beans on his Jaboticaba tree mail order experience! Join him as he unveils the plant, step by step, and reveals the journey it took.
If you are thinking about buying a live plant online and want to know the secrets of safe shipping, proper packaging, and post-transit care, this video is a must-watch! Get all your burning questions answered in this comprehensive, firsthand account.

Jaboticaba tree

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Stay updated with TopTropicals Videos by subscribing to our channel at YouTube.com/TopTropicals and get our latest video news of what is fruiting and blooming!

Date:

Event Mementos (September 2)

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

Thank you all for making this happen!

We would like to express our heartfelt gratitude to each and every one of you for making our garden event in celebration of our manager Kristi's birthday such a resounding success!

To our wonderful guests, thank you for joining us on that beautiful Saturday and making the day special for Kristi and all of us at Top Tropicals. We hope you enjoyed reconnecting with nature and finding the perfect plants to adorn your gardens. Your presence and the efforts of our amazing Team combined to create a memorable day filled with tropical beauty and inspiration for all.

Top Tropicals nursery

A heartfelt shout-out goes to our exceptional Top Tropicals Team, the true heroes behind the scenes. Our dedicated People and PeopleCats , who generously shared their knowledge and passion, guided you through the nursery, and helped you select the perfect plants. They are the ones who work tirelessly to ensure every plant thrives, nurturing our garden with love and care. Their unwavering dedication was particularly evident in the incredible recovery of our garden after Hurricane Ian last year. Today, you witness its beauty once again, renewed and flourishing, thanks to their hard work and commitment.
These People are: Kristi, Jamie, Onika, Tony, Chiane, Mark H, Mark M, Ed, Beatriz, Aurelio, Mick... (see Our Team).
The PeopleCats are: King, Snitch, Sushi, Loki, Paisley, Josephine... (+10 more at Garden Center and 9 more at B-Farm! See all PeopleCats)

Here are a few pictures from the past event, and please visit Event Mementos page to see all of them!

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

The Robuster and a cat

Top Tropicals Garden Event

Date:

This Saturday, September 2nd: Garden Event

You are invited to Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market "Tropical Harvest"
September 2, 9 am - 4 pm

Join us in a celebration recognizing the central pillar of the great Top Tropicals temple - Kristi! We are excited to invite you to a special event, "Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market", where we will be celebrating our beloved manager, Kristi, and showcasing a wide selection of tropical fruit trees and flowering plants.

This event will be an opportunity for you to explore our beautiful garden and discover a variety of plants for your own green oasis. We have lined up exclusive deals and sales on our exceptional plant collection, making it the perfect time to add some tropical flair to your home. Bring your friends and family, and immerse yourself in a day of gardening joy and community spirit!

Event agenda:

9 am - 4 pm: Plant Market. 30% OFF online prices. Raffle.
Gift bags - for first 25 customers with $50 order
Secret Garden: Super savings area 50% off
$2 and $5 sale racks: for local pick up only!

Event discounts valid at both locations:

Ft Myers Garden Center: 13890 Orange River, Ft Myers, FL
Sebring B-Farm: 9100 McRoy Rd, Sebring, FL

Facebook event page - Download invitation

Kristi's Birthday Bash and Plant Market at Top Tropicals

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Does Size Matter?

TopTropicals plants vs other mail order plants

Cat shipping plants

Q: I purchased various plants via mail order (including a Coffee tree and some flowering vines) from companies *** and ***, but they did not survive, possibly due to their small size and the stress of shipping. Could you provide information about the size of your plants, their resilience to shipping stress and the time required for establishment?

A: Plants, as living beings, may experience stress during a few days of travel in a dark box. However, the critical factor influencing their survival is the plant's size. Most of our plants are grown in pots ranging from 1 to 3 gallons, have established root systems and developed branches. Some even feature flowers and fruit, although these may drop during transit. We've included images comparing our 1 gallon size plants with those from other mail-order firms we previously obtained for our own collection.

Understanding that post-shipping plant establishment is a gradual process is crucial. Yet, most plants handle shipping well and commence new growth within days to a couple of weeks post-arrival. Here are some success pointers:

1) Opt for a container matching the root ball size, avoiding excessive sizing until growth initiates.
2) Begin in a shaded area, progressively transitioning to brighter spots.
3) Apply Sunsine Epi spray to lessen stress and enhance vitality. 4) Initiate fertilization once the plant displays fresh growth.

For more information on how to establish mail order plants, simply download our Plant Care Guide.

Side-to-side pineapple plant from Top Tropicals

Side-to-side coffee tree from Top Tropicals

Side-to-side orchids from Top Tropicals

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Cat Horoscope
Two Cat Zodiacs: Cancer and Leo

By Alex Butova, the Witch of Herbs and Cats

Cancer Zodiac cat

Photo above: James Coconuts

How to know the astrological sign of your cat?
The astrological sign of a cat can be determined by either their date of birth or adoption, as adoption is often considered a second birth for cats. With this information, one can discover the astrological traits that describe the cat, such as their independence, diva-like tendencies, sense of humor, intelligence, and more. Additionally, it's also important to consider the astrological relationship between cats and plants...
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Our Summer cats

Cancer Zodiac sign is represented by James Coconuts (his second day of birth is 7/15/2017 when he was rescued) and his best friend Riki. They live at our Bfarm in Sebring, are very affectionate and have intuitive sense of when we need someone close... they will readily snuggle up!

Leo Zodiac classic representative is Snitch, the Cat with Charisma - he runs and rules our Garden Center in Ft Myers. Come and meet this Purrson in person!

Cancer Zodiac cat

Photo above: Riki

Orange cat with charisma - Leo Zodiac Cat

Photo above: Snitch

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Top varieties of pineapples

Pineapple

Q: I want to grow my own pineapples, which varieties do you recommend for the best production? Do I need any special organic fertilizer?

A: Growing your own pineapple is pure bliss. Watching the transformation from a small crown into a luscious fruit is immensely rewarding. Every tropical gardener should experience the joy of growing this tropical gem and relishing its sun-kissed sweetness straight from the garden. Pineapples are easy to grow and can fruit in containers too, so if you live in a colder climate, no problem! They will take very little space in your greenhouse or sunroom. Just remember to feed your pineapple plants with Sunshine Boosters so they will feed you the biggest and the sweetest fruit! Sunshine Boosters are natural, organic-amino-acid based plant nutrients that are perfect for any edibles.
There are several varieties of pineapples in commercial cultivation. Below are the most interesting cultivars. Discover the pineapple paradise!

Elite Gold: Bursting with tropical flavor and vibrant gold flesh, Elite Gold dazzles with its unique taste and ornamental beauty.

Florida Special: Perfectly balanced sweetness and acidity, this variety thrives in warmer climates, gifting you a taste of Florida's sunshine.

Sugar Loaf: Irresistibly sweet with a hint of citrus, Sugar Loaf's compact size makes it an ideal choice for container gardening.

White Jade (Spineless Sweet): Exceptionally sweet and without spines, White Jade pampers you with a delectable, thorn-free harvest.

Lava Burst (Burgundy Variegated Rainbow): This visually stunning ornamental pineapple variety boasts striking burgundy and green leaves, resembling a rainbow of colors. Its fruit edible but small; its exceptional beauty adds a touch of exotic elegance to any garden or indoor space. Lava Burst is a delightful conversation starter and a captivating addition to your plant collection, making it a favorite among pineapple enthusiasts for its aesthetic appeal.

Embrace the sense of accomplishment and the satisfaction of savoring homegrown, mouthwatering pineapples - nature's sweetest gift!

Read more about Pineapples: The most luscious Hospitality Fruit.

Pineapple

Date:

How cats eat pineapples

TikTok Reels from TopTropicals

Pineapple, Mango and Cats from Top Tropicals 
TikTok

Our PeopleCats love roaming in the gardens. They often guide customers in our Garden Center, and their favorite isle is fruit trees! At this time of the year, Pineapples are ripening, and these fruit are always fun for both people and PeopleCats.

In this short video, Philemon and Scooby are discovering new tastes of Pineapple varieties.

More to see: Watch Philemon eating Avocado!

Discover more exotic plants and fun garden happenings from our TikTok updates!

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