Even though wreaths made of native plants do not have the classic holiday scents, they do capture the bounty and beauty of our landscapes during hoʻoilo (wet season). In 'Ōlelo Hawaiʻi, lei can mean a garland or a wreath. Therefore, many principles in lei-making can be applied to wreath-making. … [Read more...] about How to Make Native Holiday Wreaths
pono plants
Top 10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Hawaiʻi
Wildfires in Hawaiʻi used to be extremely rare as the only sources of ignition were eruptions and dry lightning strikes. Therefore, our native ecosystems are especially vulnerable to fire disturbance. Unfortunately, modern land use change has resulted in the extensive spread of fire-prone grasses … [Read more...] about Top 10 Fire-Resistant Plants for Hawaiʻi
Canoe Plants
Mea kanu (plants, crops) that sustained Hawaiians for 1,500 years Although the landscapes within an ahupuaʻa would have varied depending on available resources, the cultivated plants listed above were near constant throughout the islands. Some of these important plants were already here when … [Read more...] about Canoe Plants
Bele
AKA: edible hibiscus, Tongan spinach Commonly known as bele, Abelmoschus manihot is a superfood everyone should grow. It’s so easy to cultivate that even those without a green thumb should be successful. This species was once in the Hibiscus genus. While the flowers look similar, bele flowers … [Read more...] about Bele
14 Privacy Hedges for Hawaii
When living close to roads, parks, and other homes, natural barriers to create privacy are often desired. Installing fast-growing plants to screen your land is a great idea that can yield multiple benefits - if the right plants are used! Plants provide oxygen and shade, protect our yards from wind … [Read more...] about 14 Privacy Hedges for Hawaii
Nursery Spotlight-Sandalwood Nut Company
Driving along the road high up on the slopes of Mauna Kea, Mark Hansen suddenly stops the truck, exclaiming, 'Look at that sandalwood tree!! The Sierra Club volunteers planted this four years ago. It's so healthy! How did I miss it until now?" The gorgeous sandalwood, or ‘iliahi, hiding inside a … [Read more...] about Nursery Spotlight-Sandalwood Nut Company
