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The Honolulu Advertiser
Posted on: Friday, July 11, 2003

HAWAI'I GARDENS
Food growing a matter of taste

By Heidi Bornhorst

Q. Why do we like to grow our own vegetables and fruits so much? Is there any scientific research to back up that they taste way better than the kind from the supermarket?

Mahalo,
'Ono for mangoes in Kapahulu

A. According to the Garden Writers of America 2003 Summer Gardening Trends Research, most home gardeners grow their own produce because it tastes good.

What really happens to all that bountiful produce?

The research shows that 85 percent of all gardeners raise their fruits and vegetables for fresh eating; 46 percent preserve or freeze some for later use.

A large number (70 percent) also enjoy sharing with friends. But only a few actually donate their excess harvest of fruits, vegetables or herbs — 10 percent of those with incomes over $75,000 and a disproportionate but more generous 27 percent of those with incomes under $30,000.

Native plant maintenance

There will be a native plant maintenance workshop tomorrow from 8 a.m. to 11 a.m. at the Leeward Community College.

Participants will learn about plant placement, soil preparation, drip irrigation, pest control, mulching and more. The class will be using the new shade house. Come dressed for being outdoors in the sun.

Cost is $25. Call Priscilla Millen at 455-0477 to register and get additional information.

What's in bloom

Pink tecomas, that old time street tree, are putting on a good show all over the Islands.

Their subtle light pink blossoms are reminiscent of a cherry blossom. Along the freeway in Kaimuki is a very nice bright pink full-flowered tecoma. This is Tabebuia palmeri, a lovely species, perfect for summer blooming.

Poincianas (Delonix regia) are putting on a great show. Check out the campus of Kapi'olani Community College and nearby Kapahulu and Kaimuki neighborhoods. Particularly spectacular this year is the golden form of Poinciana. Several to check out around town are the large golden one at Linekona school donated by Horace and Yolanda Clay, the epic spreading one at the Kapi'olani flower garden, and the nice young ones at the Hale Koa hotel.

Also ...

For those on Maui looking for something to do 9 a.m. to noon tomorrow, the Native Hawaiian Plant Society will be volunteering at the Maui Nui Botanical Garden (the former zoo — full of native Hawaiian plants)

The garden is across from the War Memorial Stadium in Kahului. Call Tamara at 357-6082 for details and to let her know you're coming.

Lyon Arboretum summer plant sale

There is another great Lyon plants sale at the Blaisdell from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow.

Admission is free for an exhibition that many of the best growers and plant experts attend.

One of the new featured plants just in time for summer gardening is a neat ginger: Globba "Angel Wings."

The growers, Ken and Lisa Vinzant of Olomana Tropicals say that it makes a pretty good cut flower.

More than 30 nurseries will participate in the sale.

Also available are orchids, native Hawaiian plants, fruit trees, herbs, ti, anthuriums,bromeliads, ferns, tillandsias, gingers, heliconias, cacti and succulents, aquatic plants, palms and much more: jams and jellies, Hui Hana Hawaii Handicrafts, fresh lei, T-shirts and books. Get advice from plant experts. There will be fun activities for the keiki, too.