Next weekend, Hawaii’s focus is on Arbor Day and that means planting more trees. ADVERTISING Next weekend, Hawaii’s focus is on Arbor Day and that means planting more trees. Native trees like Kamani, manele, halapepe, kou and hibiscus will be
Next weekend, Hawaii’s focus is on Arbor Day and that means planting more trees.
Native trees like Kamani, manele, halapepe, kou and hibiscus will be available at Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden, according to manager Peter Van Dyke. They will be giving away trees from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Friday through Nov. 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.
The Hawaii Department of Forestry Waimea nursery will also be distributing native plants from 8 a.m. to noon Friday. For more information, call Jacob Witcraft, nursery manager, at 887-6063.
Normally, the State Forestry Service in Hilo supplies trees on this special day as well, but fears of spreading the 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 that both county and state planners encourage landscaping as much as possible when developers apply for permits to build subdivisions and shopping centers. Unfortunately, the 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 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 may be lost, as well as not keeping the communities attractive to residents and visitors alike. To make matters worse, even though permits are given based on a commitment to landscaping, there is sometimes no follow through or trees are planted and then cut down at a later date. The palms that lined Henry Street and Palani Road from Queen Kaahumanu Highway to Kuakini Highway are gone.
It is vital that we continue to encourage good landscaping on big projects like new roads and highways, and 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 can change the microclimate and make our gardens and community several degrees cooler in the summer. If trees are placed just right, we can even create a garden climate that is warmer and less windy during the cooler season. It’s really interesting when we expand these basic principles. What happens when everyone in the neighborhood or community plants trees? Well, we can actually change the climate over fairly large areas. U.S. Department of Agriculture foresters have research data that supports the theory that reforestation may increase local rainfall in dry areas and modify temperature extremes. You might say that 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 number one nut, the macadamia, is also an attractive choice.
Besides the more common edibles, the cashew, carambola, sapodilla, sugar apple, sour sop, loquat, longan and tamarind are others that are ornamental trees.
We don’t have to stop with these. Shrubs like the natal plum, Ceylon gooseberry, Surinam cherry or pineapple guava might also 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 may be incorporated into a garden. Many herbs are tough and attractive as are some of our tropical vegetables, like dry land taro, sweet potato, monstera and Tahitian spinach.
There are so many choices, that the list is almost endless. Several books are available at area book stores and garden supply stores. Sunset’s National Garden Book is a great starter. There are also 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 more information on gardening and landscaping, contact a master gardener at 322-4892 in Kona or 981-5199 in Hilo.
