Garden Blog - Top Tropicals

Date: 24 Sep 2023

Paws of the week: Clifford, the Watch Dog

Clifford dog with tropical fruit

Introducing Clifford, the freshest face on the Top Tropicals team at the Garden Center and an honorary partner of the PeopleCats (or should we say, PeoplePaws). This dynamo has been appointed as the chief of our Security Crew, much to everyone's surprise and delight.
Now, the story goes like this: Clifford strolled in from who-knows-where and, with the charm only a puppy can muster, looked up at Chiane with those soulful eyes as if to say, "Hey, can I crash here?" Well, what else could she do? She gave him a warm bath, and lo and behold, beneath all that stray dust, Clifford turned out to be white!
Clifford is a little ball of sunshine. He's got a heart of gold and a zest for life that's absolutely contagious. When it comes to shipping activities, he's the first one to volunteer. And the best part? Clifford is the epitome of punctuality. You can set your watch by him. He shows up for work every day with his tail wagging and ready to conquer the world.
Clifford is not just our head of Security Crew; he's our daily dose of happiness and a reminder that sometimes, the best things in life simply wander in when you least expect them!

Fruit image by jemastock on Freepik

Date: 17 Sep 2023

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...
More >>

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

Date: 17 Sep 2023

NEW VIDEO:
How to properly cook Akee - quick recipe

Akee is a close relative of Lychee, Longan, and Rambutan. You can find delicious akee meals only in Jamaican restaurants! But no need to search for it - grow your own tree, it can't be easier. It will start fruiting for you the next season, you don't have to wait long. Sometimes it fruits twice a year! However, the fruit is used as a vegetable, and is not eaten raw. It must be picked after the fruit has opened naturally. After the fruit has "yawned", the arils are parboiled and lightly fried in butter. Then they are really delicious! Watch the QUICK RECIPE provided by our PeopleCats!

The Akee tree - scientific name Blighia sapida - is easy in cultivation, fast growing and can be maintained compact. It is not bugsy or picky about soil/water conditions, and is relatively cold tolerant for being a tropical tree. Now it's the perfect time to plant it!

Ackee, Akee fruit - Blighia sapida, and a cat

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Ackee, Akee 
fruit

Date: 14 Sep 2023

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.

Date: 11 Sep 2023

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)