 Heather Squire and Andy Waugh have for a long time been committed to the principles of organic gardening and permaculture, so in 1999, when the opportunity to buy the subtropical arm of Koanga Nursery arose, they seized it with enthusiasm. They moved the nursery to their property in the hills behind Waipu in Northland, and Subtropica was born. They now have a flourishing subtropical orchard there, and it supplies seed and plant material to the nursery, as well as delicious fruit all year round.
Since then, the demands of their growing family, and Andy's increasing interest in sculpture, have meant that they needed a hand in the business, so they asked friend and neighbour Claire Leighton to take part. Claire was delighted. Although she had little previous experience of subtropicals, she was also a keen organic gardener and had run her own organic market garden some years before in Taranaki.
So Claire's is the face you will see most often at the nursery, but Heather and Andy are the faces behind it all.
If you want to visit the nursery, you are most welcome, but you must phone first. Claire will show you round, but she doesn't live there, and the chances of finding someone there if you just turn up are very remote. Phone Claire on (09) 432 0018 and make a time. She will be happy to show you round. |
