Posted on: Friday, October 8, 2004

HAWAI'I GARDENS
Waimea sale tomorrow a must for plant lovers

By Heidi Bornhorst

Waimea Valley Audubon Center has long been known for growing and perpetuating native Hawaiian plants.

Many were saved from extinction and are readily available for us to grow in our gardens, thanks to all the dedicated horticultural efforts to keep these rarest of the rare alive and flourishing.

From 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. tomorrow, head out to the famed North Shore valley where some of the top native growers and plant experts will gather, with plants for sale and abundant knowledge to share and pass on.

Waimea Valley Audubon Center will join with the North Shore Outdoor Circle for the 25th year of supporting plant sales and garden educational programs together.

There will be a variety of native and exotic plants to purchase.

Among the offerings: hibiscus hybrids, including a new variety called "Blue Suede Shoes" and several types of scented hibiscus, grown by hibiscus expert Jill Coryell, bonsai 'ohi'a lehua and hybrid ti plants, "bargain" exotics from North Shore Outdoor Circle member gardens, palapalai ferns from Kay Lynch of Hakipu'u, the native blue

flowers and blue-fruited kapa-dye lily, 'uki 'uki, and lehua mamo (a yellow variety of 'ohi'a lehua, and one of the scentless native Hawaiian mints).

This native mint is vanishing in the wild forests, but is easy to cultivate in Hawai'i gardens.

One of the best parts of benefit plant sales at botanical gardens is seeing all kinds of "plant people," and having the experts gathered together to share their expertise.

Waimea's botanical staff and community volunteers will be on hand with gardening tips and information. "Plant Doctor" Greg Koob will be available to answer your questions and dispense advice.

Keiki tree event

There also will be another event at Waimea tomorrow, sponsored by Kaulunani, our state- and volunteer-run, federally financed community urban forestry program.

Waimea will offer the Family Tree Program from 10 a.m. to noon.

Keiki and their families can discover the wonder of trees as they venture out on a Tree Trek, search for items on a Tree Cycle Scavenger Hunt, and where all ages can learn about the wonders of trees and even take home a small tree to plant.

Admission is free.

Participation in the family program is included with the price of admission to the Audubon Center (kama'aina adults, $5; seniors and kids 4 to 12 years, $3; kids younger than 4, free.) Call 638-9199 for more information.

Submit questions to islandlife@honoluluadvertiser.com or Island Life, The Advertiser, P.O. Box 3110, Honolulu, HI 96802. Letters may be published or distributed in print, electronic or other forms.