A couple from the New Forest are looking to rehome a giant palm tree – that they grew over 13 feet using fish poo.
An ‘aquaponics’ farmer, David Green and his wife Lucie Mann bought a Washington palm tree which was 13 inches tall from their local B&Q store.
Six years of water and fish faeces alone have grown the palm tree into a 13 feet giant, and that’s before the leaves are added.
Lucie told the Daily Echo: “David loves spiky plants and anything unusual. We were in Southampton when he spotted that tiny little thing that looked to be on its last legs. To be honest, I didn’t think it would survive.
“The speed at which it is growing is phenomenal. It shows how much power aquaponics farming holds.
Aquaponics is a method of farming in which plants grow plants in water, feeding them solely on fish poo, rather than in a conventional soil environment. In essence, the fish and plants coexist in perfect harmony to offer the finest possible habitat for both.
Any plant can be grown aquaponically, though it is a method mostly applied to food plants such as salad leaves.
The couple is looking to rehome the plants to their forever homes.
David, a trained fish farmer, said: “It is rare to see such a beautiful palm of this size in the UK.
“If we can sell the palm, it will provide much-needed space for our fish and help us fund our journey to becoming a community-owned and run aquaponics farm. We believe this will be the first such farm in the UK.
The plant would be ideal for those who have a sheltered garden and require lots of water.
The couple added: “We want to sell it to someone who will appreciate it and look after it with lots of care.”
If anyone is interested in buying the now giant Washingtonia palm, they’re being urged to contact Lucie or David at New Forest Aquaponics.
For more information, visit: newforestaquaponics.com
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