Date: 2 Apr 2022
Cat of the month:
Frosya Yavorsky from Ukraine
Meet Frosya Yavorsky - an anti-war and anti-stress Cat of Alex and Lena Yavorsky. They live in Lviv, Ukraine and contribute their plant photos to Top Tropicals Catalog. Recently they sent us the beautiful Sunflower field photo that everyone can enjoy now at Top Tropicals home page. Frosya's main job today is psychological support of her parents during this cruel times. Top Tropicals recently sent to this family some proceeds of Kristi's Sunflowers sold at Sunday Event Sale. Frosya, please stay healthy and keep your parents calm and strong. You guys are in our thoughts, prayers, and hearts.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Ukraine
Ukraine direct support:
To support Ukraine, please make your purchase of
so-much-needed plant food today: Sunshine
Boosters, developed by our Ukrainian Team.
All profits from Sunshine Boosters sales go to Ukraine.
Your help is needed TODAY.
Photo above: Fedor Shabliy with his family - Oksana and Vova - are about to start planting vegetables in their backyard. Fresh start once the freeze is over... Fedor, the author of the Sunshine Boosters
Date: 8 Dec 2021
Event Mementos (Saturday 12/4)
We thank all of our guests for joining us last Saturday for the Holiday
Sale. We met lots of great people who got lots of great plants and goodies!
Our vendors offered wonderful treats and entertainment and everyone could find
something special! The food was not only tasty but also COLORFUL!
Special Thanks to our PeopleCats who ran the show, as always!
Come back again to our next event in a few months, info coming soon.
SEE EVENT MEMENTOS >>
Date: 24 Nov 2021
Winter is coming tips
Reminder from Kristi, the Tropical Flower Girl
As the weather gets cooler, many of you move your potted tropical plants
indoors. Please remember:
1. Leaf drop. Lower air humidity, lower light and short day may
cause some leaf drop. This is normal for seasonal environment change.
2. Reduce watering as it gets cooler and darker. Under lower light
and in cooler temperature, plants won't need much water; some plants go dormant and only need minimum water (so soil doesn't completely dry out). Excess water may damage roots and kill a plant in winter.
3. No dry fertilizer in winter. Active growth stops. Let the plant
to go into dormancy or simply have a rest. You can continue liquid Sunshine Boosters according to regular dosage chart with every
watering. Since the watering is reduced, the plants will get only as much food as
needed for getting through the winter.
4. Watch for insects by inspecting leaves regularly. They may attack
plants more likely in the indoor conditions. You may use organic NoBug insecticide especially for your indoor plants.
Stay Warm!
In the photo: Mr Big and Zoe-the-Scooby-Doo sharing a warm tub with Emerald Peperonia
Date: 10 Nov 2021
Cat of the Week:
Snitch, the Garden Boy
...According to the National survey, 80% of cats suffer misunderstanding from humans: "Every time I try to have a serious talk with him, he simply gives me food" - this was the most common opinion among cats who took the survey...
See more: TopTropicals PeopleCats
Date: 26 Sep 2021
Edible Landscape: fruit bearing hedge
Photo above: Biquinho Pepper (2 months old plant)
Q: My mom had to remove a hedge for some renovations and after being heartbroken about losing my little bird haven, I've decided to plan on a fruit bearing hedge that offers some privacy and places for the little fledgling to wait for food. Any suggestions? I was thinking blueberries or citrus but open to any ideas.
A: Below are a few suggestions for a fruit bearing hedge planted with fast-growing, tropical species. They will contribute to a nice edible landscape for both your family and the birds - they will be very happy!
Larger size hedge (small trees), grows full-size within 1
season:
- Loquats
- Dwarf Mulberries (very cold hardy too) such as Dwarf Everbearing
Medium size hedge (shrubs or vines), 2-3 seasons to grow full
size:
-
Black Surinam Cherry Lolita
- Blackberries and raspberries
Low hedge (4-5 ft tall, 1 season, fast growing):
-
Biquinho Pepper
- Wiri
Wiri Pepper
Citrus is probably not a good idea, not bird's favorite, and blueberries require a special acidic soil here in Florida, so they will need extra maintenance, special soil, and heavy mulching.
Surinam Cherry Lolita, 2 year old plant
