Next weekend, Hawaii’s focus is on Arbor Day and that means planting more trees!
Next weekend, Hawaii’s focus is on Arbor Day and that means planting more trees!
According to Peter Van Dyke at Amy Greenwell Ethno Botanical Garden in mauka South Kona, native trees such as kamani, manele, halapepe, kou and hibiscus will be available. They will be giving away trees from 9 a.m.-1 p.m. Friday through Sunday (Nov. 6-8). Most trees will be Hawaiian natives and plants introduced by the early Polynesians referred to as “canoe” plants such as kukui.
For details, call the garden at 323-3318.
Also, the Hawaii Department of Forestry Waimea nursery will be distributing native plants from 8-noon Friday.
For more information, call nursery manager Jacob Witcraft at 887-6063.
Normally, the state Forestry Service in Hilo supplies trees on this special day as well, but fears of spreading little fire ants from Hilo to other sites has meant no plants will be available from there.
Speaking of ants, it is a good idea to check any plants purchased or given to you to make sure you do not bring an infestation to your garden.
We are fortunate county and state planners encourage landscaping as much as possible when developers apply for permits to build subdivisions and shopping centers. Unfortunately, our requirements are somewhat minimal when compared to many communities in Florida and California that also depend on a strong tourist industry.
Developers from Kohanaiki, Kukio, Hualalai, Waikoloa and north to Kohala go that extra mile to really beautify their projects with lush landscaping. Smaller projects in Hilo and Kona often do not make that effort. When it comes to maintaining the landscape, they sometimes try to save a few bucks and the landscape deteriorates.
In the long run, millions of dollars might be lost, as well as not keeping the communities attractive to local residents and visitors alike. To make matters worse, even though permits are given based on a commitment to landscaping, there sometimes is no follow through or trees are planted and then cut down at a later date.
It is vital we continue to encourage good landscaping on big projects such as new roads and highways while at the same time landscape and maintain the little pieces of paradise we call our homes.
Our island is special in that we can grow almost any plant in the many microclimates that exist here. We have some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in the world. However, it does take conscious planning, planting and maintenance to bring out the best.
By planting trees, we actually can change the “microclimate” and make our gardens and community several degrees cooler in the summer.
If trees are placed just right, we even can create a garden climate that is warmer and less windy during the cooler season. It’s really interesting when we expand these basic principles.
USDA foresters have research data that supports the theory reforestation might increase local rainfall in dry areas and modify temperature extremes. You might say trees are natural air conditioners.
When enough are planted in an area, temperatures remain cooler in the summer. The sun’s rays don’t have a chance to penetrate and heat up the ground.
In the winter, those strong trade winds are blocked. The trees keep things cool in July and give protection from wind in January.
The best place to start improving the beauty of the island is right at home.
In selecting trees for shade, consider the hundreds of species of tropical plants that produce food as well as shade. Depending on your taste, available space for planting and location, we can grow almost anything.
The more popular types of fruit trees include mango, coconut, citrus, guava, avocado, papaya, lychee, breadfruit and banana.
Of course, our No. 1 nut, the macadamia, also is an attractive choice.
Besides the more common edibles, the cashew, carambola, sapodilla, sugar apple, sour sop, loquat, longan and tamarind are other ornamental trees.
We don’t have to stop with those.
Shrubs such as the natal plum, ceylon gooseberry, surinam cherry or pineapple guava also can be used.
Vines often add the right touch on a fence. Passion fruit, ceylon spinach, winged bean and others will produce goodies to treat your appetite.
Even edible ground covers can be incorporated into a garden.
Many herbs are tough and attractive as are some of our tropical vegetables, such as dry land taro, sweet potato, monstera, and Tahitian spinach.
There are so many choices, the list is almost endless. Several books are available at local bookstores and garden supply stores. Sunset’s “National Garden Book” is a great starter.
There also are many publications available through the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service to help you with care and use of some of the plants you might select.
These can help in planning your landscape and maintaining it in the proper manner.
This information is supplied by the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources. For further information about gardening and landscaping, contact one of our master gardeners at 322-4892 in Kona or 981-5199 in Hilo.