Norman Bezona

August 29, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

The young soils of our island vary from ash deposits to a’a and pahoehoe lava. There are a few exceptions where volcanic materials have had the time to decompose like the Kohala Mountain...

August 1, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

Summer is a great time to enjoy Hawaii’s flowering trees like the royal poinciana, tabebuia species, cassia shower trees, narra and many more. Speaking of narra, this beautiful yellow fl...

July 25, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

Foundation plantings are like spandex garments. They smooth out bumpy features and add a dressy look. When properly used, a foundation planting serves definite purposes. It connects the struct...

July 18, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

Urbanization of Hawaii is impacting Kona and Hilo, but Puna, Kohala and other population areas are showing signs of construction and a trend toward removing trees.

July 9, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

Summer means many fragrant flowers blooming in abundance. Most noticeable is the family of gingers. Gingers are coming into flower a little late in forests and gardens this year due to cool we...

July 4, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

Even though we talk a good story about being independent by growing our food and buying locally grown fruits and vegetables, it is not an easy thing to do. One exception is by growing and eati...

June 6, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, folks worldwide have fantasized about travel to all kinds of exotic places. It is forecast that the travel industry will soon be booming. However, some caution sh...

May 9, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

We just celebrated Cinco de Mayo and Boys’ (Childrens’) Day a few days ago but don’t let that distract you from the really big day. It is Mother’s Day, and if you forge...

May 2, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

May Day in Hawaii is Lei Day as well. We celebrate Lei Day on May 1, but continue with leis throughout the year. Now there is also a noticeable spring fever effect when it comes to local garde...

April 18, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

“April showers bring May flowers” is an old adage and it holds true in many parts of Hawaii as well. With longer days, most folks are getting chronic Hawaiian spring fever. This me...

April 11, 2021 | 3 MIN READ

When it comes to community outreach, the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) Extension Service is comparable to the way Peace Corps reaches out to...

April 4, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

Easter reminds us that life is a cycle of what appears to be death and rebirth. In cooler climates, it is what we learn by observing plants that go dormant in the winter only to sprout anew in...

March 28, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

Spring in Kona’s unique tropical cloud forests and East Hawaii’s rainforests is heralded by abundant new growth of ferns, especially our endemic cibotium treeferns. If you want to...

March 21, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

We haven’t had many opportunities to travel for a pandemic year now, never the less, you can virtually travel by enjoying tropical fruits from all over the world in your garden.

March 14, 2021 | 5 MIN READ

Spring officially occurs when the sun reaches the equator as it appears to move northward. Of course, what is actually happening is that the earth is tilting toward the South Pole and will con...

March 7, 2021 | 4 MIN READ

The old saying that March comes like a lion and leaves like a lamb usually holds true but this year only time will tell. Spring flowering trees are on schedule like the cherry blossoms of Waim...