Tauranga's Tropical Display House is undergoing a much-needed renovation to keep both the building and the plants inside healthy.

Work began on the renovation on October 31 and is expected to be completed within five-six weeks, weather-dependent.

Currently closed off as a worksite, with steel fencing and scaffolding up, Tauranga City Council's manager: spaces and places Sarah Pearce hopes to be able re-open the house to the public early-December.

New cladding and roof

'Old polycarbonate cladding is being replaced and new Ampelite Thermoclear Twinwall roofing and wall panels, jointers, flashings, rubber seals and fixings are being installed.”

Sarah says the work is needed with the house's old polycarbonate cladding deteriorating and discolouring 'causing low light levels to impact on the health of the plants”.

'The timber in the roof was also starting to rot, so it was time for it to be replaced.”

The aim is for work to finish soon, so Tauranga's Tropical Display House can re-open early-December. Photo: Supplied.

The cost to repair the house is approximately $80,000 and funding has come from council's Parks Community Building Renewals budget.

Sarah says the Tauranga's Tropical Display House is much-loved by many in our community.

'We want to maintain this building for everyone to enjoy, and ensure a safe and healthy environment for the plants.

'The polycarbonate cladding was last done in 2007, and while it can last up to 15 years, the average lifespan on a greenhouse is 10 years.”

Plants remain intact while the work is taking place. Photo: Merle Cave.

Tauranga's Tropical Display House is a botanical wonderland right in the city – in fact some see it as a hidden sanctuary with fellow residents not realising it's even there.

'Since 2015, our people-counters have clocked approximately 1500/2000 visitors per month in the winter, and up to 4000 visitors per month in the summer.”

Species within

Sarah says the house displays approximately 40 species per season in the display, which are changed every three months in-line with the seasons.

'These plants are mostly common but interesting indoor/house plants like Calatheas, Fittionias and Bromeliads and also a collection of ferns – so seven-eight species per bench of flowering plants, foliage and ferns. Begonias are displayed when in flower from late-spring through to summer.

The orchid cabinet has mainly Moth, Slipper and Cymbidium orchids. 'We also have less common species like Caladenia (spider) orchids and Dendrobium. We have some carnivorous plants like Nepenthes (pitcher plants) and Venus-fly-trap.

'The in-ground and living walls house around 30 species including golden passionfruit, pineapple, banana palms, coffee plant, paw-paw, species of gingers, heliconias and large staghorn fern. And we do have a rare Stinkhorn lily that is displayed when in flower.”

Sarah says the tropical house team is always on the lookout for new species of interesting or rare plants to add to the collection.

Find out more at: www.tauranga.govt.nz/exploring/parks-and-reserves/parks/robbins-park