Forestter Blog

The recent confluence of Polynesian, Micronesian, Melanesian and other Pacific Ocean cultures has inspired a new interest in landscaping with native and endemic plants of this vast region. What they have in common is that they all relate to the rebirth, renaissance and the evolution of life and culture. Our Hawaiian gardens also represent the continuing influence of many diverse cultures creating a new experience. The earliest gardens were composed of plants Polynesians brought with them from Asia, the vast Pacific and even South America. It is theorized that thousands of years ago, the first people may have come from Africa to Taiwan and in between. This mix of ethnicities is extremely complicated and continues to this day as we share our islands. What was it like for the first Polynesian pioneers who found these islands? The forests in those earliest days of human activity were very different than when Captain Cook arrived. What is now open grasslands were once forests. Trees like loulu palms flourished in abundance, but it wasn’t long after the Polynesian introduced pigs and rats that things radically changed. There still remain at least 24 species of trees endemic to Hawaii but for all we know there could have been scores more. All remaining species are threatened with extinction unless we intervene by planting them in our gardens and parks. With the later arrival of herbivores like goats, sheep and cattle, even more damage was done to the forests. We have no real clear records of the early times, but throughout Polynesia, it is obvious that humans and the animals and plants humans brought with them have had a tremendous impact on the species that evolved here. Today, erosion is a big problem on most high islands and the rising ocean is swallowing low atolls that have been the homes of islanders for thousands of years. Rebirth and evolution continue to happen as is taught to us by our active volcanoes. The moral is that we must learn to adapt to change and at the same time keep as many of the good qualities of the past where we can. This holds true as we face the challenges of climate change, population increase causing land use issues, and protecting our unique natural resources and culture. Our parks and gardens reflect this complicated evolution of life and culture. We have a wide variety of plants both native and introduced by many different ethnicities. By keeping the lush vegetation an integral part of our communities, we actually do our part to fight pollution, global warming and make life more enjoyable. As individuals, one of the easiest ways to decrease the carbon dioxide levels in the atmosphere is to plant trees. There are a number of trees that can help accomplish this purpose. Among the best are natives like the loulu palms, ohia, hala, wiliwili, hoawa, alahe‘e and a‘ali‘i. Other plants, such as the beach and mountain naupaka, are attractive to many birds and also make good ornamentals for a garden. Flowers of the ohia, koa, hau, milo and mamane may even attract some native nectar feeding birds like iiwi, amakihi, apapane, and elepaio. The hala tree is another tree of interest and beauty. It may be grown from sea level to at least 3,000 feet elevation. Lauhala, or leaf of the pandanus, has probably been used for thousands of years. The leaves are used for walls, floor mats, and thatched roofs. Today artists weave purses, shopping bags and hats. Even the parts of the fruit were eaten during periods of food shortage. Today, island campers will use the fibrous segments as a toothbrush. The pandanus family, closely related to palms, is found throughout the old world tropics. There are hundreds of species, from miniature shrubs to large trees. Most pandanus species may be distinguished by their aerial roots. These roots give them the common name of “walking trees.” Here in Hawaii, we have two common native species. The puhala, Pandanus odoratissimus, is found naturally growing along many coastal areas. The mountain ie‘ie, Frecynetia arnotti, is found climbing vine-like up ohia trees in mauka forests, sometimes 80 feet or more. Another group of plants to consider are those the Polynesians brought with them like coconut, kukui, mountain apple, banana, sugarcane, bamboo and breadfruit. These include hundreds of varieties and are referred to as canoe plants. Remember that our gardens can and should reflect the best of the Hawaiian culture. At the same time recognizing that the Polynesian migrations around the Indo-Pacific evolved as time and the environment demanded. Thus Maori, Samoan, Tongan, Marquesan, Tahitian, South Asian and maybe even South American influences are also part of the ongoing human migration and have a prominent place in our gardens. Norman Bezona is professor emeritus, University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources.

Whether you have a home with a large yard or an apartment with a small lanai, plants create a more luxurious mood. Attractive trees, shrubs and lawns actually increase the value of a home. In fact, if you cut down that big shade tree in the front yard, you may reduce the value of your property by thousands of dollars. Just think how much it would cost to have a landscape company replace it! When trees are destroyed, it affects the whole community. The key to success is to put the right plants in the right place. Hot sunny areas of the islands require shady gardens to create a comfortable environment. Windbreaks are important to reduce excessive winds. Many tropical landscapes do not include grass. Examples may be found in books like “Tropical Asia Style,” “Thai Garden Style” and several books featuring the Hawaiian landscape. Besides trees, shrubs and bedding plants, one of the main elements of many landscapes is ground covers including grass. It might be Bermuda, buffalo, centipede, zoysia, seashore paspalum, or a mix. Whatever type lawn it is, green and healthy is the key. It is important to remember that lawns generally require more maintenance, fertilizer and water than more deeply-rooted ground covers, shrubs and trees. Thus, many communities are minimizing turf except in parks and recreational areas like golf courses. However, it is pleasing to see a healthy, well-maintained lawn. An expanse of green lawn can serve as the right setting for the homes they surround. Artistically, lawns serve as the plain element in a garden picture, offering contrast of simple greenness to surrounding mixtures of color, texture and form in flower and foliage. This simplicity should be maintained by keeping the smooth sweep of lawn undisturbed by intrusions of shrubs and trees. This does not mean that shrubs and trees may not be placed at strategic spots on the lawn. If carefully done, these may be used without disturbing the unity of the picture. But in general, it is best to keep the lawn uncluttered and unobstructed. From a practical standpoint in the tropics, a lawn serves a number of ends. First, it reduces heat and glare as the sun beats down on the earth. Green is a soothing color. No doubt that is why there is so much of it in nature. Second, it controls mud and erosion. It definitely beats concrete, asphalt and gravel. The chief value of a lawn over other kinds of ground covers is that it offers a pleasing place to walk and play, as well allows for artistic creativity. In a dry area, a grass like the many Bermuda varieties make a successful element, and can even be used for auto parking. Bermuda types do best in full sun. A well-maintained grass cover also offers one of the easiest ways to control unwanted invaders. Just mow frequently and fertilize occasionally, making sure the grass cover has sufficient water to keep its green color. Of course, if you want a perfect lawn that is a different proposition. Your idea may be just a green expanse to set off the surrounding landscape. Then it really does not matter of what the expanse consists. It may be a combination of grasses kept in check by frequent mowing. Ordinarily, grass is not a good cover for steep sloping areas where it is difficult to handle the mower. In spots such as these, it is wiser to use ground covers and shrubs. Large expansive lawns are a garden heritage from Europe. They are not typical in the Orient except through Western aesthetics. Much of Asian design uses moss, pebbles or sand for its plain element in landscaping. But in England, turf is key to the landscape and has become an essential part of the garden tradition. Mainland Americans have inherited this tradition. They generally consider a lawn a necessary part of the landscape. However, in the wet tropics, turf is generally not a part of the native picture since meadows are infrequent. Here, it is a good idea to stop and consider whether or not a lawn is an essential part of your garden. In many parts of the mainland where water may be scarce and expensive, grass is fast disappearing as an aesthetic element. Jungle effects with paths and patios tend to relate to the tropics more than do extensive lawns. And yet even here, there is much use of the lawn in open expanses around a dwelling. A perfect lawn in the tropics is an expensive proposition. Golf course type lawns are not easy. To keep it perfect requires constant attention to weeding, rolling, fertilizing, mowing, watering and control of diseases. Just about the time you think you have everything under control, some new condition arises, and the lawn goes up in smoke. Today there is a strong inclination to let the lawn be more informal along with the rest of the garden. Such a mixed green cover has its appeal, being more like a meadow than the monoculture lawn. A semi-natural lawn like this has its practical aspect also. It reduces maintenance by eliminating most of the weeding and also the struggle to make one kind of grass grow under the varying conditions of sun and shade which make up the average lawn area. There is, no doubt, a legitimate reason for cultivating a green expanse around a dwelling even in the tropics. But let’s not make such a burden of it. When a weed pops up here and there, let it be. The secret is not in exterminating the weeds, but in keeping the area mowed so that the weeds cannot dominate and go to seed, keeping them from spreading too much. Whatever type lawn you have, chances are it will require watering except in extremely rainy locations. Deep watering is preferred. Frequent shallow watering will encourage shallow rooting. It is best to water in the early morning. There is less waste of water through evaporation at that time.

Until recently, palms in Hawaii have had relatively few serious insect and disease problems. Unlike Florida and the Caribbean, we dodged the bullet of Lethal Yellowing. That disease destroyed most coconut palms in the region during the 20th century. The key to avoiding Lethal Yellowing here was to have strict rules and penalties against importing palms from affected areas. Inspection of incoming plants by the Hawaii Department of Agriculture and USDA plus support of the University of Hawaii College of Tropical and the Hawaii Landscape Industry, we have avoided many other diseases and insect pests. Unfortunately, we are now threatened with a new problem that could devastate our environment. The coconut rhinoceros beetle can kill not only coconut palms but many other species as well. This includes our very rare endemic Pritchardia palms that evolved here. This large horny beetle has now been found on Hawaii Island and can easily be spread by humans. For example, green waste containing the larvae or adults is often composted and used as mulch by local gardeners. At this point, we have to be careful to inspect mulch, compost and any palms we transport. The beetle can also attack sugar cane and Pandanus or Hala species. The beetle is about two inches in size. The larvae can be up to four inches long before pupating. When they first attack the bud of a palm, the new leaves emerge damaged. If you think you have found affected palms, beetles or larvae go to crbhawaii.org to report the sighting and for further information. Why is this so important? When we think of the tropics, the first trees that come to mind are coconut palms gracing white coral sand beaches. Truly, these palms have been carried by humans throughout the tropical world over thousands of years. Taxonomists, botanists and anthropologists have attempted to discover the origin of this valuable tree, but none are sure. One theory is that the specie evolved in the Australasian region hundreds of thousands of years ago since some of the earliest records are indicative. They may even have evolved when the interior of Australia was ocean. At any rate, the coconut palm is one of our favorite trees for landscape purposes, food and shelter. There are hundreds of other palm species worldwide, most in the tropical and subtropical regions. Some thrive in desert environment and some thrive in moist rainforest zones. However, some may be found in cold mountainous locations like the Andes and Himalayas. Some of these may be grown as far north as Seattle Washington. Hawaiian gardens include hundreds of species of rare palms. When it comes to species of palms in the world, there are hundreds with more discovered each year. They come from the high mountains like the Andean Wax Palms that live at 13,000 feet above sea level to equatorial rainforest species like those from the Amazon. Desert palms are another large group, but none is quite so close to our Hawaiian hearts as the coconut palm. The coconut palm group is composed of scores of varieties including some dwarf types that should be used more in Hawaii. Not only are they shorter and easy to harvest, they are resistant to the devastating disease of Lethal Yellowing. Palms here have had relatively few serious pests or diseases until now. Hawaii’s palms may be affected by bud rot or stem bleeding disease that is often caused by physical damage such as unsanitary pruning equipment or climbing spikes. Most palms showing yellow or stunted growth have been found to be suffering from lack of fertilizer or water. All these problems are correctable, but if lethal yellowing ever gets to Hawaii or if the coconut rhinoceros beetle becomes widespread, there’s no practical way of stopping destruction of our island’s palms. When Lethal Yellowing hit the mainland of Florida, it was discovered that many other palms species were also susceptible to the disease in varying degrees. Florida embarked on a two stage program to replant. Over half a million dwarf coconuts were imported. The dwarf, while highly resistant to the disease also had the added benefit of easily harvested nuts and did not require expensive nut and leaf removal as with the tall varieties. Hawaii is fortunate to be far from disease affected regions, so it is vital that we do not introduce this and other plant plagues. When it comes to the coconut rhinoceros beetle, we need to support research efforts like bio control and pesticide management to contain this insect. We are fortunate to have several nurseries like Suchin and Jeff Marcus’s Floribunda that have collected palms seed from all over the world for our parks and gardens, but Jeff and Suchin are alerting us that we must not delay or it will be too late to avert mass losses of palms. It is important to be alert and cooperate with the Hawaii and Federal Departments of Agriculture to follow all the rules of inspection to keep our palms free of disease and insect pests.

Mother’s Day has been celebrated long before Judaism, Christianity, and Islam in one form or another. Art in early cultures of Asia, Europe and the Middle East recognized that women were the source of life and fertility. Somewhere along the path of history, patriarchies became en vogue and here we are today trying to recognize the importance of both men and women. Making that work has been challenging to say the least! We especially see this in politics and religious practices. Since we already had Mother’s Day, one way to seek balance was to create Father’s Day. By the way, this was before women had the right to vote! Father’s Day has only been celebrated for around one hundred years in the United States. It was founded by Sonora Smart Dodd in Spokane, Wash., at the local YMCA in 1910. Her father, William Jackson Smart was a Civil War veteran who raised his six children as a single parent. In Catholic countries of Europe it has been celebrated as St. Joseph’s Day since the Middle Ages. Of course it is celebrated to honor our fathers. To make it really special, it is an opportunity to share the day doing something together. If you want to make this day truly special, then plant a tree with dad knowing that trees are the lungs of the planet and will live for generations to come. Even grass, shrubs and houseplants add oxygen to thwart the effects of global warming. A fun thing to do as a family is a little landscaping project. Dad will appreciate the help. If you have already found that special gift for Dad then here is an additional gift he should appreciate. Most lucky fathers will receive something practical like a new lawn mower, tools or maybe a box of cigars, but think about a living gift as well. Flowers are for Mom but a living gift is something he can keep at the office or in the home. Every time he sees it, it will remind him of you. You can share care with dad for a bonding experience without having the responsibility of an animal like a dog or cat. Plants for use indoors are essential in homes today. With condominiums, apartment living and smaller yards becoming more common, one of the best ways to enjoy nature is by making it part of the indoors, especially on hot summer days. Even if you are lucky enough to have a home with a yard, interior landscaping brings it all together. Plants are an inexpensive way to beautify the house in a professional way. If you are short on cash and your home needs a few extra pieces of furniture that you can’t afford or if you want to try a little gardening but don’t want to get grubby, then indoor gardening is for you! The secret to successful gardening in the home is selecting the right plant for the right place and then caring for it properly. Local nurserymen or garden supply dealers can give you some help in selection as well as plant care. Here are some tips now that will keep his green thumb green. If you are just beginning a houseplant project with your loved one, start with the right container. Wooden tubs are excellent since wood prevents rapid drying out of the soil. Some containers lack drainage holes that may cause a watering problem unless you are growing plants that prefer or tolerate wet conditions like papyrus. Clay pots are fine and can be painted to blend with the colors in the home. Brass and copper are ideal for table and mantle arrangements. But, as these containers are usually small, pay careful attention to supplies of water and fertilizer. Too much or too little can be fatal to many plants. Soil is very important for houseplants. Since they must survive on a very small amount, give them the best soil mixture available. There is no perfect mixture. However, a longtime favorite for many homeowners is a blend of one part peat and one part coarse garden soil or cinder and one part vermiculite or sponge rock. These may come already mixed for you at the garden supply store. When choosing plants for interior locations, select varieties that will withstand adverse growing conditions such as low light intensity and dry air. To be satisfactory, houseplants must do more than merely survive under indoor conditions. They must maintain an attractive appearance with a minimum of care. Air conditioning and gas appliances, as nice to have as they are, may be rough on houseplants. Consider such plants as bromeliads, aglaonema, aspidistra, dracaena, monstera, peperomia, Philodendrons, Nephytis, sansevieria, bird nest fern, Boston fern or rhapis palm. These plants don’t seem to mind low light intensity or warm, dry rooms. In fact, they are sometimes called “cast iron” types. Plants that will grow in high light include asparagus ferns, strelitzia, crotons, aralia or panax, philodendron, wandering Jew and sansevieria. Plants that will tolerate dryer soils are bromeliads, jade plant, pandanus, peperomia, sansevieria and pothos, aloe, sedum, and cactus. Many palms are ideal for a bold tropical effect in the home. The proper watering of plants is important. Too big a drink or too little spells disaster. In general, most house plants require a thorough soaking, and then must be allowed to get a little on the dry side but not too dry. Plants also like their food served at regular intervals. The best suggestion on feeding plants is to follow the directions on the container. Use a houseplant fertilizer in liquid, tablet or powder form, but with any type, go lightly. Too much can easily burn tender roots. Several books are also available at local garden shops to assist you and your main man in your landscape endeavors, so include one as a gift as well.

What does hurricane season mean for us in Hawaii? The old adage, June is too soon, July-standby, August-a must, September — remember, October all over is no longer accurate. The hurricane season starts today, but has been extended through the month of November due to increased storm activity from global warming. This year forecasters are expecting one of the most active Atlantic storm seasons on record. On the other hand, we have been very fortunate in Hawaii to be free of storms in recent years. This is not so for the southern United States. Floods and tornadoes have already devastated large areas. Unfortunately it looks like a stormy season in the Atlantic according to weather forecasters. The Central Pacific, on the other hand should have relatively few hurricanes due to cooler ocean temperatures this year. What we have learned from previous storms is that the major damage done from actual winds was to trees like lychee, macadamia mahogany and other broadleaved trees. However, palms like Coconut, Royal, Cabbage Palms, Mexican Fan Palms, our native Pritchardia species and scores of others survived the storm winds. Many will tolerate flooding with little damage as well. If the soil was so soggy that the palms tipped over, they were easy to replant and recover. Since there are thousands of species, the question is which palms can be used to create your tropical landscape with a minimum of storm damage and care? The Hawaii Island Palm Society is available to help folks answer that question so check out their website. When it comes to trees other than palms, remember they are important elements of parks, streets and home gardens. Do not forget that they supply oxygen, sequester carbon and in general are helping to minimize the negative effects of global climate change. However, they do require proper maintenance to ensure they make it through stormy weather. It is always important to inspect your trees for dead branches that seem to be ready to fall. A gust of wind can snap an arm-size branch from a tree and send it at missile speed through a picture window. A low hanging branch over a roof can wreak havoc. Powerful winds can turn the limb into a tool of destruction. This tool can remove shingles as easily as a fish can remove scales. Removing dead and out of place limbs is a good idea even if there is no storm. Fan like fungus growing on the side of a tree trunk indicates rotten spots that need attention. A hole made by poor pruning, damage from earlier storms, or the gouge of an auto bumper can start rotten spots. Remove decayed trees that are too weak to hold up under the strain of a storm. This action will save you grief later. Actually, even a hundred mile an hour wind is not as dangerous as it sounds if necessary measures are taken before the wind reaches gale force. If your home is located in an area that might be flooded, you’ll be given ample notice to evacuate hours before the storm reaches your area. Otherwise, there is no safer place than in a well built home. As soon as the storm has passed it is a good idea to inspect the trees and other plants around the house. Usually all the plants will show signs of wind damage. With a little trimming, propping, resettling of root systems, fertilizing and watering, nearly all plants that were shaken loose from the ground can be salvaged. After hurricane season, it is a good idea to consider root pruning as a way to manage those larger trees. If in doubt on what to do, you may contact a local certified arborist to assess the situation and correct it. Many of our tropical trees grow rampant with extensive root systems. That is why we prune to keep them from getting out of hand, but let us prune the right way. Late spring and summer are not the best time for heavy pruning since shade is at a premium during those hot days ahead. Late fall is a good time as the days are getting shorter and the sun’s rays less intense. In conclusion, remember that trees are vital to making urban life healthier for us physically, mentally and even spiritually. Forest fires, storms and drought are destroying our forests on a global scale. On the other hand, every time we plant a tree, we help to minimize the effects of global warming. Enjoy those beautiful trees in your garden by maintaining them correctly. On a grander scale, work with Hawaii County and State governments to plant more trees in parks, roads and highways. We depend on the tourist industry. Visitors to our islands as well as residents appreciate our beautiful landscapes. Without trees, this would just be another barren desert island. Palms, because of their beauty and tenacity make a great choice.

Hawaii is known for our lush tropical gardens but much of our land especially on the leeward side is desert. There are many delectable fruits that actually do best where conditions are hot and dry. Figs, pomegranates, papaya and dates are just a few that come to mind, but mangoes are by far the most popular. These fruit have become part of our Hawaiian cuisine and represent the amazing food fusion of our multicultural islands. Mango trees will grow almost anywhere on the island from sea level to 2000 feet elevation, but where conditions are too wet the fruit is often damaged by fungus diseases. There are literally scores of varieties that can produce delicious fruit from early spring to late fall. Mango trees have been grown by early cultures for over 5,000 years in the Hindo-Berma region of tropical Asia. The origin is believed to be somewhere near present day Malaysia or in the Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam area. Hundreds of varieties have been developed over the millennia. Some of the most popular were bred by the University of Hawaii and University of Florida in the 20th century. Trees grown from seed may carry the traits of the parent but take 10 or more years to produce fruit. Sometimes seedlings will bear inferior fibrous or turpentine tasting fruit, but some may actually produce fruit of superior quality. That is how new varieties may be discovered and named. If you already have one or more mango trees in your garden, you may have noticed some things that reduce the quantity or quality of your fruit. Here are some tips. If we have wet weather when the trees begin to flower in December, the blossoms will abort due to one or more fungus diseases. If this happens, the trees will tend to flower again, but most commercial growers will apply a recommended fungicide to keep the flower set and get an early crop. As the fruit matures we may have wet weather that will make ideal conditions for anthracnose fungus to streak the fruit. This may also be avoided by applying a fungicide. The main insect that damages fruit is the mango seed borer. This causes the flesh to be mushy around the seed. Sanitation is the key by removing rotting fruit from the ground. Another cause of mushy flesh is calcium deficiency in our volcanic acid soils. Addition of dolomitic lime with the fertilizer schedule will avoid this problem. Trees may be fertilized two to three times per year with a formula low in nitrogen and high in phosphorus and potassium. This year many trees are flowering in May as well so we are likely to get a double crop unless the rains cause conditions ideal for Botrytis. This fungus damages flowers and they die before producing fruit. Another easy fruit for dryer or well drained soils is actually not a tree but a big herbaceous plant. The origin of Carica papaya as it is scientifically known is considered to be Mexico. Now it is grown worldwide in the tropics and subtropics. Papaya plants are natural for almost any garden. They are prolific and nutritious as well. Probably no other plant supplies the home gardener so much for so little effort. This tropical America tree-like plant will grow and produce fruit the year around with a minimum of care. Green, unripe papayas are high in papain that helps digestion. The leaves are also high in papain and used in cooking. Ripe fruits are high in calcium, vitamin A and C. Your garden can supply a generous amount of these delicious fruits. By following modern methods, you may grow many other tropical fruits as well. But one of the best is papaya. Start with good plants, proper attention to fertilizer, moisture needs, and keep insects under control. You’ll harvest some very good fruit that will repay you for your trouble. There are several varieties, from the big watermelon fruit to the small Solo types. Most folks prefer the bisexual or Solo strain of papaya. This type produces a high percentage of top quality fruit. Seeds from the large watermelon types produce male, female and bisexual trees. Most of the male trees must be eliminated as soon as they are detected. They are identified by means of their bloom stems. These are sometimes up to more than a foot in length and have many flowers. Female blooms are produced close to the stem but have no pollen bearing stamen. Bisexual flowers have both ovary and stamen, thus can self pollinate. Occasionally, garden shops and nurseries offer Solo papaya plants for sale, and the gardener who needs a few plants will do well so buy his plants rather than to attempt to grow them from seed. For larger numbers of plants, you may grow seed from selected fruit. Seed order forms are available from the University of Hawaii Cooperative Extension Service. The papaya is a relatively short-lived herbaceous plant, reaching a height of fifteen, or more feet in five years. A top quality plant should produce over 150 pounds in a two-year period. But commercial growers often harvest up to 300 pounds from a plant during a two-year period. After that, the plant becomes so tall it is difficult to pick fruit. Production drops rapidly. The papaya requires large amounts of fertilizer for best production. Spread the fertilizer out over an area roughly covered by the leaves. A papaya plant won’t thrive in soil that is too dry or poorly drained. Young plants must be kept well watered until they are established, then watered every four or five days during the dry season. Mulching will help to conserve moisture. In wetter areas of the island, irrigation will only be necessary during drought periods. Pests can give papaya growers trouble. The worst pests are aphids, mites and fruit flies. There has been no insecticide that will give satisfactory control of the fruit fly in dooryard plantings. Harvesting fruit before they become over ripe

We tend to freak out when a new invasive plant species arrives in our islands, but most spread relatively slowly. Usually we have some time to either deal with them or learn to live with them. Being plants, they are at least sequestering carbon and supplying oxygen. Some like the Fountain Grass covering the raw lava flows help to break down the rocks and in time create habitat for birds and other wildlife. The downside is that it and other non native grasses also create the opportunity for fires to spread. This requires management practices to avoid fires such as grazing, firebreaks, planting fire resistant vegetation to shade out grasses, etcetera. It is a different story when it comes to insects and diseases. The little fire ant scientifically known as Wasmannia auropuntata can and do make life miserable for us as they infest gardens and farms. The Argentine Fire Ant has spread to many regions of South, Central and even North America. It is far more devastating to the ecosystems they invade, even killing livestock with their venomous bites. The newest damaging insect to arrive on our island is the coconut rhinoceros beetle or Oryctes rhinoceros. This large beetle looks like the name describes and may be more than two inches in size. It destroys not only coconut palm trees but many other palm species including our endemic Pritchardias, royal palms, date palms, dozens of other species but is not limited to palms. Hala, banana, sugarcane, kalo and many more may be damaged. Diseases like coffee rust can devastate a valuable crop if left unchecked. Once a pest gets here it is very difficult and expensive to control, so the best thing is to keep them from getting here. Education of the public and a much more aggressive agricultural inspection of incoming goods is definitely needed. Now let’s get back to non native plants and other life forms like birds and lizards. If they have been part of our ecosystem for decades, they can probably be managed. The problem is how we perceive what we already have. Is it a weed? A weed may be defined as any plant growing in the wrong place. Perhaps an even better definition is “a weed is a plant for which we haven’t found value.” Just like there is no such thing as a bad child only bad behavior, there is no such thing as a bad plant. There is bad management. When we create a vacuum by spraying herbicide or clearing our forests for example, we make conditions ideal for pioneer species to take hold. Naupaka is a good example of a native Hawaiian coastal plant found throughout tropical Pacific islands that are valuable for stabilizing sands along the beaches. We commonly use it in our landscapes. Introduced to Florida as a landscape plant, it has naturalized along the coast and does stabilize beach sands, but because it is not native, it is called an invasive specie. Perhaps a better word to describe what we call weeds would be “pioneer species” trying to heal the wounds created by man or natural events like lava flows and hurricanes. What we call weeds in lawns are usually the result of poor management. Lawns injured by insects, fungus, or nematodes will readily become infested with pioneer species. Improper mowing, watering, and fertilization will lead to a lawn with which we are not happy. So, don’t blame what we call weeds for a poor lawn. They are often just a symptom of improper maintenance practices. Most folks don’t want Dandelions in their lawn, but Dandelion leaves make a great addition to salads or cooked as greens. If you end up having to pull unwanted species by hand, smile. Let’s take a positive approach to “weeds.” Did you know that many of those seemingly pesky fellows are actually edible or medicinal? Plants we often consider as weeds are usually types that appear wherever we have disturbed the soil. They grow rapidly and often compete with more desirable species. They mature large quantities of seed, and they are often difficult to control. Weeds are often described as undesired plants, plants growing out of place, or plants that are considered a nuisance. Both the characteristics and the definitions of weed emphasize that they are plants closely related to man. They come and go as man disturbs the soil. Just as man has traveled and dominated the land, so have these species benefited from his activities. Because of their origin so close to the activities of man, many plants we call weeds have been discovered to be edible or medicinal, and indeed may be used as beneficial herbs throughout the world. So when you go out to pull what we call weeds, it’s easier if you know they could be for dinner or to help heal a cut or settle an upset stomach.. There are more than a hundred edible plants referred to weeds. If you are interested in these and other useful plants, check at the local library or do a computer search for Edible Leaves of the Tropics by Franklin Martin and Ruth M. Ruberte — Mayaguez Institute of Tropical Agriculture, P.O. Box 70, Mayaguez, Puerto Rico, 00708. And again don’t forget, that when we refer to plants as weeds, we have automatically labeled them as being worthless. Better we call them a kinder more neutral term like “pioneer species!” That way we can contemplate the concept that everything and perhaps everyone has value.

You still have time to shop today at the Old Kona Airport Kona Orchid Society Spring Show and Sale. It starts at 9 a.m. and runs to 2 p.m. Not only will there be orchids, but a great variety plants that may be used to beautify the home. If you have already found that special gift for Mom then here is an additional living gift she should appreciate. Most mothers will receive something practical, or a treat like going out for dinner, but think about a living gift as well. Flowers are for Mom but a living gift is something she can keep at the office or in the home. Every time she sees it, it will remind her of you. Plants for use indoors are essential in homes today. With condominiums, apartment living and smaller yards becoming more common, one of the best ways to enjoy nature is by making it part of the indoors, especially on hot summer days. Even if you are lucky enough to have a home with a yard, interior landscaping brings it all together. Orchids are always appreciated but there are other plants to consider as well. Plants are an inexpensive way to beautify the house in a professional way. If you are short on cash and your home needs a few extra pieces of furniture that you can’t afford or if you want to try a little gardening but don’t want to get grubby, then indoor gardening is for you! The secret to successful gardening in the home is selecting the right plant for the right place and then caring for it properly. Local nurserymen or garden supply dealers can give you some help in selection as well as plant care. Here are some tips now that will keep his green thumb green. If you are just commencing a houseplant project, start with the right container. Wooden tubs are excellent since wood prevents rapid drying out of the soil. Some containers lack drainage holes that may cause a watering problem unless you are growing plants that prefer or tolerate wet conditions like papyrus. Clay pots are fine and can be painted to blend with the colors in the home. Brass and copper are ideal for table and mantle arrangements. But, as these containers are usually small, pay careful attention to supplies of water and fertilizer. Too much or too little can be fatal to many plants. Soil is very important for houseplants. Since they must survive on a very small amount, give them the best soil mixture available. There is no perfect mixture. However, a longtime favorite for many homeowners is a blend of one part peat and one part coarse garden soil or cinder and one part vermiculite or sponge rock. These may come already mixed for you at the garden supply store. When choosing houseplants, select varieties that will withstand adverse growing conditions like low light intensity and dry air. To be satisfactory, houseplants must do more than merely survive under indoor conditions. They must maintain an attractive appearance with a minimum of care. Air conditioning and gas appliances, as nice to have as they are, may be rough on houseplants. Consider such plants as Bromeliads, Aglaonema, Aspidistra, Dracaena, Monstera, Peperomia, Philodendrons, Nephytis, Sansevieria, Bird Nest Fern, Boston Fern or Rhapis Palm. These plants don’t seem to mind low light intensity or warm, dry rooms. In fact, they are sometimes called “cast iron” types. Plants that will grow in high light include Asparagus Ferns, Strelitzia, Crotons, Aralia or Panax, Philodendron, Wandering Jew and Sansevieria. Plants that will tolerate dryer soils are Bromeliads, Jade Plant, Pandanus, Peperomia, Sansevieria and Pothos, Aloe, Sedum, and cactus. Many palms are ideal for a bold tropical effect in the home. The proper watering of plants is important. Too big a drink or too little spells disaster. In general, most house plants require a thorough soaking, and then must be allowed to get a little on the dry side but not too dry. Plants also like their food served at regular intervals. The best suggestion on feeding plants is to follow the directions on the container. Use a houseplant fertilizer in liquid, tablet or powder form, but with any type, go lightly. Too much can easily burn tender roots. Here are some guides on diagnosing home plant problems. Brown tips or burned margins to leaves may mean too much fertilizer, or you’ve let the plant roots dry out, or you’ve let the plant become burned by sun or dry winds. Yellowing and dropping of leaves may indicate gas fumes, overwatering, poor drainage or poor soil aeration. Small leaves suggest tight or heavy soil mixture, lack of fertilizer or not enough moisture. Weak growth or light green color on otherwise healthy foliage perhaps indicates too much light, lack of fertilizer, root rot or poor root systems. Yellowing, wilting, or soft-weak growth may mean too much heat or root injury. Small leaves and long internodes are signs that the plants are growing with too little light or the temperature is too warm. White, cottony masses on leaves or stems may be mealy bugs or cottony cushion scale. A soap bath will help. Brown spots or streaks on the leaves may mean a bacterial or fungus disease. Disease control will depend on the type of bacteria or fungus. Sanitation is the best prevention. Removing diseased leaves will help. Several fungicides are available at your local garden supply. Again, follow label directions. Since house conditions are usually less than ideal, it’s a good idea to change plants once in a while. Don’t expect a plant to live forever inside. Many indoor gardeners have a special corner in the home for houseplant rejuvenation. If you don’t have this kind of plant hospital, then replacing tired old plants with new ones occasionally will keep your interior garden in top shape.

Next Sunday is Mother’s Day and there is still time for last-minute gifts for the ladies in your life. Before you run out to pick up the flowers and Hawaiian chocolate, let’s ponder on the origins of this special holiday. It seems it goes so far back that the ancient Greeks and Romans celebrated by honoring the mother goddesses Rhea and Cybele. As Christianity spread across Europe, it became the Mothering Festival and was celebrated on the fourth Sunday of the month during Lent. The Catholic Church had a special service on that day honoring the important role mothers play in church, family and community. Before the Civil War in the United States, abolitionist and suffragette Julia Ward Howe helped modernize the celebration. In 1870, Howe wrote the Mother’s Day Proclamation, a call that asked mothers to unite in promoting world peace and campaigned for a Mother’s Peace Day. Other early pioneers include temperance activist Juliet Calhoun Blakely. The duo of Mary Towles Sasseen and Frank Hering worked to organize Mother’s Day in the late 19th and 20th century. Hering has been called the father of Mother’s Day. After the Civil War, Mother’s Day was heavily influenced by the efforts of Ann Reeves Jarvis who organized Mothers Friendship Day at which mothers gathered with former Union and Confederate soldiers to promote reconciliation. Her daughter Anna carried on with these efforts encouraging an official recognition by the U.S. government. In 1914, Woodrow Wilson signed a proclamation designating Mother’s Day be held on the second Sunday of May as a national holiday to honor mothers. Although Jarvis was instrumental in founding the day, she herself regretted the commercialization and expressed views on how that was not her intention. So as you shower Mom with gifts, remember the real meaning of today as you find those last-minute specialties for her. Sunday is a great time to visit garden shops and nurseries. Plants make the perfect gifts for those special friends and relatives. To avoid the headaches, enjoy your shopping by being different. You would be surprised at how many different plants make great gifts. With a little love and care, you can give a gift that really has some meaning. All the foliage plants may be spruced up with bright ribbons and clever cards, but some plants are more in keeping with the special occasion than others. In giving living plants, use your imagination with the containers, decorations and wrapping. Colorful ti plants will add bright decor to home and garden. Another interesting foliage is the Snow Queen Hibiscus with the variegated white and green leaves and red flowers. There are dozens of Hibiscus varieties available. Crotons and bougainvillea may also be given to add garden color. Many palms make great gifts. The pygmy date palm gives a tropical look and stays small. There are hundreds of species of palms and these fit well in to our tropical Indo Pacific landscapes. One of the favorites is the red crown Sealing Wax Palm. Other palms include the Manila palm, with its red fruit and Chambeyronia from New Caledonia with its bright red new leaf. Then there are the petite Licualas, Pinangas, Arecas and dozens of others. We actually grow more palms species than any other place in the United States. This is thanks to the International Palm Society and nursery folks like Jeff Marcus who have introduced palms to Hawaii that are on the verge of extinction in their place of origin. Thus, Hawaii is like a Noah’s Arc where these species can thrive. By the way, if you think your loved one would like to help in the conservation of palms or other groups of plants, there are local chapters of societies like the Rhododendron Society, Palm Society, Bamboo Society and Orchid societies. A gift of membership to one or all of these would be very special. Potted blooming orchid plants, and bromeliads are just a few plants you might consider to use in the home and when their color wanes, place them in your tropical garden. The fun of giving plants to your Mom, sister, daughter and wife is that you can then plan together on how to best present them in the home or garden. It is a bonding experience for those who prepare and give the gift as well as the special lady who receives it. In getting your gifts ready, start with the right container. Wooden tubs are excellent since wood prevents rapid drying out of the soil. Jardenieres usually lack drainage holes, which may cause a watering problem. Clay pots are fine and can be painted to blend with the colors in the home. Brass and copper are ideal for table and mantle arrangements. But, as these containers are usually small, pay careful attention to supplies of water and fertilizer. Some beautiful large pots created by Mark Kimball, local farmer and artist, are available through several garden centers and nurseries. They are formed of concrete, but some of his creations look like ancient Chinese urns. When choosing plants, consider the person receiving the gift. Select varieties that will withstand adverse growing conditions, especially if the gift is for a novice. Conditions such as low light intensity, extremes of temperature, and dry air must be considered for a houseplant. Some folks claim to have a brown thumb instead of a green one, but a Sanseveria plant given to one brown thumb lady several years ago, is still alive after being placed in a dark corner and watered about once a month. This would be a great gift for your mother in law, because it is very slow growing and almost impossible to kill. Though come to think of it, I would think twice before giving it to your wife’s Mom, fellows, since it is also referred to as Mother-In Laws-Tongue. It actually does resemble a tongue but it can get up to 2 feet in length. To be satisfactory, plants must do more than merely survive. They must