What a fantastic day we had yesterday at the food forest plant swap! It was a brilliant opportunity to see the incredible variety of plants our community is growing right here in Te Puke. From backyard growers to seasoned horticulturalists, everyone came together to share their passion and their plants.
A Showcase of Te Puke’s Growing Diversity
The tables were an inspiring sight, overflowing with an amazing array of plants and seedlings. We took time to talk about what was on offer, and it was incredible to see how much can be grown in our local climate. There were unique finds like loquats, myoga ginger, luffa, and cassava, all thriving in our gardens.
The real highlights were the rare and unique species. It was a treat to see carob seedlings, white sapotes, and some rare bele spinach, which provides a fantastic, year-round green. A couple of strawberry trees, grown from seed, also made an appearance. It’s always so interesting to see what’s being propagated and hear the personal stories behind each plant.
Tastes of Te Puke’s Tropical Side
The event wasn’t just about sharing plants—it was about sharing what we grow. We got to taste some delicious tropical fruits, generously supplied by Vector Group Charitable Trust, who grow them right here in Te Puke. The tropical pawpaw and babaco were a huge hit, proving that even a taste of the tropics can be homegrown. The pawpaw, in particular, was the “tastiest ever” and a true testament to the time and care put into growing it.
The Heart of the Growing Community
These get-togethers are vital because they are built on community connection and a shared passion. It was a joy to see everyone sharing plants, stories, and enthusiasm in a true “fair share swap.” One attendee summed it up perfectly, saying they had “hidden my little treats away to magically appear like a kinder surprise in our garden: pomelo, fig, tree dahlia, salvia.”
A huge thank you goes out to Selena, whose enthusiasm and hard work make these events possible. Her commitment to bringing Te Puke growers together is very much appreciated. And a special shoutout to Coralie for celebrating her birthday with us!
Keep an eye out for the next event, which will be announced today for three weekends from now. Let’s keep growing, sharing, and strengthening our Te Puke community!