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.
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.
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.
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)
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.
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 "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!
It takes one year to grow a good root crop. This wonderful tropical root
vegetable is grown as a handsome shrub and harvested for its root and leaves
that are high in starch. The plant contains low levels of protein in the
root and high levels in the green leaves. And Cassava fries are both delicious and healthy! Yum! (see the recipe)
1 medium-sized Yuca Root
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt, to taste
Optional: spices or herbs of your choice (paprika, garlic powder, cayenne
pepper, etc.)
Instructions:
Prep the Yuca: Peel the Yuca root with a sharp knife and remove
any fibrous parts. Cut the Yuca into evenly sized sticks or fries.
Boil the Yuca: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil and add the
Yuca fries. Cook for about 10-15 minutes until the fries become tender but
not mushy. You should be able to pierce them easily with a fork.
Drain and Cool: Drain the boiled Yuca fries and let them cool for
a few minutes. Preheat your oven to 425F during this time.
Seasoning: Toss the slightly cooled Yuca fries in olive oil,
ensuring they are evenly coated. Add a pinch of salt and any additional spices or
herbs you prefer for added flavor.
Baking: Arrange the seasoned Yuca fries in a single layer on a
baking sheet lined with parchment paper or aluminum foil.
Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the
Yuca fries for about 25-30 minutes, flipping them halfway through to ensure
even browning.
Serve: Once they turn golden and crispy on the outside, take the
Yuca fries out of the oven. Serve them hot as a delicious and unique
alternative to regular fries. You can enjoy them as a side dish with your favorite
dipping sauce or as a snack on their own.
These Yuca fries are not only tasty but also a great way to introduce
friends and family to this delightful tropical root vegetable! Enjoy your
yuca-culinary adventure!
Yuca root, Cassava, Manihot, Tapioca...
Food and Beauty
Q: Can you recommend a pretty plant for my edible
garden? Something that is not only useful but also very ornamental.
A: Introducing the fabulous and flamboyant star
of the garden - Manihot esculenta, better known as the Yuca Root! This tropical root
vegetable plant is the epitome of botanical fashion, showing off its cheerful
and showy foliage like it's walking the runway of a tropical paradise...
The most stunning variety is Variegated Yuca root. You won't find this rare and remarkable variety
of Yuca root just anywhere! It's like the unicorn of the edible plant world,
combining practicality with pure visual delight. Not only can you feast on its
starchy goodness, but you can also proudly display it as a stunning
ornamental piece in your garden.
This tropical root vegetable knows how to put on a show, making its home
as a shrub in subtropical zones across Asia, Africa, the Caribbean, and
South America. Its roots and leaves are the real stars of the show, packed with
all that starchy goodness. But hold on, there's a little twist to this drama!
The root contains low levels of protein, while the green leaves are
practically gym buffs with high protein levels.
Now, we must address the elephant in the botanical room - the mistaken
identity crisis. Some folks confuse our lovely Yuca Root with Yucca, but let's
clear things up: Yucca is a no-go in the culinary world. It's a non-edible
plant from the Agave family, and you definitely don't want to cook that up for
dinner!
So there you have it, folks! The Yuca Root, a true superstar of both the
kitchen and the garden. Delicious, eye-catching, and ready to add a dash of
tropical charm to your life. Get one for yourself, and let the good times
yuca-roll!
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!
Q: With the rising temperatures, I'm concerned
about shipping my plants safely. Can they withstand the heat during transit? Also, is it okay to plant them in the ground now, or should I wait for
cooler Fall weather?
A: Your concern about shipping plants in hot weather is valid. For sensitive plants,
we'll delay shipping until conditions are more favorable in your area. However, there are plenty of heat-tolerant tropical plants that handle shipping well with minimal stress. These plants adapt
easily when planted during the hot summer months. Simply follow the included planting
instructions, gradually acclimate them to full sun, and they should thrive.
Feel free to check with us about the specific plant you plan to order for its suitability in
summer shipping. We're here to take care of your green babies and address your
year-round planting needs!
Q: I need an exotic looking, easy to grow
tropical tree that can grow in semi-shade, create a character in my small Florida
garden and a shelter for small wildlife. Any suggestions?
A: The Cyathea cooperi, known as the Australian Tree Fern... Deep within the
enchanting rainforests of Australia, this botanical marvel flourishes,
captivating all who lay eyes upon it. Its true magnificence lies in its intricate
fronds, delicate yet resilient. Unfurling like the wings of a mythical
creature, they gracefully arch outward, showcasing a mesmerizing symphony of emerald
green.
As sunlight filters through the dense canopy above, its fronds become a
living canvas for nature's creativity. But this tree fern is more than just a
visual marvel. Its significance stretches far beyond its aesthetic appeal.
The Australian Tree Fern is a vital component of its ecosystem, providing
shelter and sustenance for a myriad of creatures. Its high-reaching canopy offers
refuge to an array of birds, insects, and small mammals, creating a
microcosm of life within its majestic embrace.
For centuries, the indigenous peoples of Australia have revered the
Cyathea cooperi for its medicinal properties and cultural significance.
As the seasons unfold, the tree stands as a testament to resilience. It
withstands the downpour of tropical rain, enduring the wrath of winds, and
gracefully survives the scorching heat of summer. Through it all, it remains a
symbol of endurance, an emblem of nature's ability to adapt and flourish.
Young leaves of Australian Tree Fern are very exotic
looking...
Australian Tree Fern recently planted in front of the
office of our Bfarm is getting the best Sunshine Boosters plant food - Robusta - from the Robuster injector; it grows super fast, we should see it in its full
beauty soon!