Touch of the Tropics Garden Centre & Nursery

28/05/2026

Who’s most likely to… NZ TRADIE EDITION 😅👌

25/05/2026

Step into a little piece of prehistoric paradise at Touch of the Tropics 🌿

Our incredible 100-year-old pungas stand proudly at over 3 metres tall, creating an atmosphere that feels straight out of an ancient rainforest. These majestic native tree ferns have taken decades upon decades to reach their towering size!

Come and grab yours from Touch of the Tropics

18/05/2026

We recently sat down with Alayna Bradbury, co-designer of Ocean’s Edge and daughter of designer Jules Moore, for a little insight into the creative process behind the award-winning garden showcased at the Shenzhen Greater Bay Area Flower Show.

Inspired by the beauty and emotion of New Zealand’s coastline, Ocean’s Edge combined sculptural art, water, planting, texture, and sound to create an immersive coastal experience that went on to win Gold and Best Feature Garden on the international stage.

It was great hearing more about the inspiration and collaboration that helped bring the garden to life.

14/05/2026

Dypsis baronii is a beautiful clustering palm from Madagascar known for its fine, feather-like fronds and natural tropical look. It’s a great choice for adding texture and a lush rainforest feel to gardens, pathways, and tropical-style landscapes. 🌴

12/05/2026

So pleased that we were featured in the NZ Herald !! Have had a fantastic
response with our Garden in Shenzhen.

Jules Moore has been designing gardens and installations for more than 45 years.

09/05/2026

Dombeya ‘Pink Elegans’ is a stunning tropical flowering shrub loved for its soft clusters of blush-pink blooms and lush green foliage. Flowering through the cooler months, it brings a romantic, almost cloud-like effect to the garden while attracting bees and butterflies. A perfect Mother’s Day surprise!

06/05/2026

Skeleton Bush (Calocephalus brownii) is a unique Australian native shrub known for its tangled, silvery-white branches that create an almost skeletal appearance. It’s often used in modern gardens, dry landscapes, and decorative pots for its striking texture and soft metallic tone. Despite its delicate look, it’s a hardy plant that thrives in full sun and well-draining soil.

26/04/2026

You don’t need to follow rigid garden “rules” to create something that looks polished, intentional, and actually works.

You don’t have to plant symmetrically to make your garden look put together. In fact, working in loose groupings and repeating plants in clusters creates a much more natural flow. It feels cohesive without looking forced.

You don’t have to drench your plants in chemicals to deal with pests. Companion planting with things like herbs, marigolds, and lavender can help naturally deter unwanted bugs while supporting a healthier ecosystem overall.

Boxy hedges aren’t the only way to achieve a tidy look. Structure can come from layering different heights, using grasses, and mixing shrubs. It still reads as “clean,” just softer and more modern.

You don’t need a big backyard to grow your own food. Small spaces, balconies, and even railings can produce herbs, greens, and compact vegetables. It’s less about space and more about how you use it.

And bark mulch is not just for show. It helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. It’s one of the simplest ways to support plant health while making everything look finished.

Gardens don’t need to be perfect to feel considered. They just need to be designed with a bit more intention.

25/04/2026