Posted on: Friday, December 20, 2002

HAWAI'I GARDENS
Rescued Irwin Park is a gift for everyone

By Heidi Bornhorst
Advertiser Gardens Columnist

King Kalakaua recognized it after an eye-opening around-the-world trip. Great leaders realize it is a gift that we all need: to be close to nature, to have open space with trees and greenery.

A righteous decision has given us a special present this season. A lovely historic park, in front of Aloha Tower and near Nimitz Highway, has been returned to us. Mahalo to Judge Gary Chang for his common sense and honorable decision in this case.

Irwin Park was given to the people of Hawai'i in 1930 by Helen Irwin Fagan, in honor of her father. It was to be an park in perpetuity, just like Foster and Lili'uokalani Botanical Gardens, and Kapi'olani Park. Sadly, this gift was paved over as a temporary parking lot, and then was proposed as the spot for a parking garage. This is not how you use a park, especially one that was a gift.

Scenic Hawai'i is a nonprofit organization dedicated to enhancing and perpetuating our open green spaces, cherished views and scenic beauty. I serve on its board. Scenic Hawai'i and other preservation groups have been fighting the garage. The coffers of this small group have been drained in the effort, but it was worth it to save this green place in the midst of congested downtown. 

If you want to join or support Scenic Hawai'i, write to us at P.O. Box 10500, Honolulu, HI 96816.

And take a walk in Irwin Park. Do some shopping and stop to cherish the monkeypod and coconut trees and lawn. Envision this park restored to its former glory. Gifts like this don't come every day.

In bloom

Prince Kuhio vine is putting on a great seasonal show in deep magenta tones. We spotted it draped over a hollow-tile wall on Moanalua Road in Pearl City. This pretty vine also is displayed over a chain-link median fence on Ala Moana Boulevard, near Kalia Road. It is very pretty for motorists idling in holiday traffic, and for our visitors to see what a green and colorful holiday season we have here in the Islands.

I always want to plant a tangerine tree at this time of year. They are so pretty and festive, with their luscious fruits glowing in the warm light of the setting sun. They are one of the colorful, flavorful and health-giving signs of winter in Hawai'i. I have been seeing lots of other citrus trees fruiting lately: limes, lemons oranges and my favorite: kalamansi, the tiny Filipino limes. These are not only pretty on the tree, but also make great gifts for even your most serious dieting buddy. They also make awesome holiday decorations.

Poinsettias are all over in classic red and new designer colors. Our growers have been working hard and suffering sleepless nights to bright this seasonal crop to us. I am always surprised by how reasonably priced they are and how easy they are to care for.

Great gift ideas

Plants are a great gift for anyone on your list. There are many to choose from in every price range.

You can grow your own or enhance the ones from the garden shop with simple décor. Package a bunch of herbs in pots in a gift basket. Add some jams and jellies from a craft fair. Get a blooming orchid and fancy up the pot with a seasonal basket or colorful foil. Pick a peck of poinsettias for a special gift arrangement.

Tools, gloves and other garden accessories also make great gifts. We buy my dad a saw every year (he's a rather rough sort of he-man tree cutter), and plump narcissus bulbs for my mom to grow.

Your bookstore is full of gift possibilities. More local authors are writing about plants, nature, historic Kapi'olani Park and much more.