Plants thrive in fertile ground
A Whangarei gardener believes the soil beneath his feet in Kensington is among the best in the country.
Rod Whatmough is a retired orchardist and a tropical plants enthusiast, who grew tropical plants all over Northland before settling in Kensington.
"The plants have really done well," he said, and he is especially proud of his bananas, which he said are sweet and firm.
Whangarei Quarry Gardens is holding a plant fair on January 27, that will celebrate the subtropical varieties of plants that Northland's climate helps produce so well.
Project manager at Whangarei Quarry Gardens David Muir said the fair will have some specialty vendors.
"Things like frangipani and hibiscus are always popular, and we will have six or seven nurseries from Northland with stalls."
Mr Muir hopes to see a good number of Aucklanders coming up to Northland for the plant fair over Anniversary Weekend.
A percentage of the sales will go to the Quarry Gardens, a volunteer-run organisation.
Mr Whatmough said he will definitely be attending the plant fair.
The Quarry Garden used to run garage sales, but decided a plant fair was more suitable to target collectors and enthusiasts.
The tropical plant fair is free entry for all, from 10am onwards, Whangarei Quarry Garden, Russell Rd, on January 27.
