About

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What started out as a backyard invasive plant removal project has now turned into a 3,600 square foot small scale Hawaiian native garden and nursery. 

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Without much of a plan in mind except to utilize our backyard and enjoy the view we removed haole koa and California grass from our yard.  We added rock walls and stairs to get up to the terraced levels and amended the soil using Hawaiian Earth Products (https://hawaiianearth.com ), compost, menuhnue magic and mulch. We were now ready to plant, but what?

We started out with a few pineapple and banana plants and found out quickly that we had wild pigs coming down from the ridge that also enjoyed the fruit (note cute baby pigs turn into big pigs), so we decided a food crop was out.

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My husband actually came up with the idea to grow native species and as an Environmental Studies Major from the University of Hawaii (many years ago), I agreed that was a good idea.  Four years later our property is home to 36 native plant species: 16 Indigenous (native to Hawaii and elsewhere), 11 Endemic (only in Hawaii), 9 Polynesian introduced/canoe plants and out of the total, 12 species are on the Federal Endangered Species List. 

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The next step in our journey actually happened during the pandemic lock down when I found myself spending more time in the garden than ever before.  We built a small shade house and installed misters while I experimented with propagating native plants that are used in lei making.  Turns out I was actually pretty good at it. I also finished a 12 credit certificate program in Sustainable Agriculture from Leeward Community College.  The classes have helped me to understand the principles of horticulture and soil science.

 

We are currently in the process of expanding the operation to include nursery tables so that the seedlings have a chance to grow and harden up before they are ready for retail sale.   

As our native garden is finally thriving and filling in, I reflect on the hard work (more than I ever accepted) and realize it is still a work in progress.  I don’t think you are ever finished with a garden. 

 

We believe it all starts with naturally nutrient rich, well drained soil.  If you don’t have it, you need to make it.  We use local compost, mulch and soil amendments. We also found that by adding a small amount of mycorrhizal fungi root growth enhancer, blended specifically for Hawaiian soil, can aid in nutrient uptake (see Resource page).  The better the soil, the healthier the plant, the healthier the plant, the stronger it is to fight against pest, drought and other environmental conditions.  Providing good soil is the first line of pest control. 

 

We use an Integrated Pest Management (IPM) system on the farm.  We start with prevention methods (good soil), monitoring and scouting methods to identify pest (including weeds that are a pest), determine the pest severity, and assess management options and control methods using the following effective environmentally sensitive approach.    

• Mechanical: pulling weeds, hand picking or spraying water on plant to remove unwanted pests

• Cultural: plant dense to block sunlight from weeds, place a barrier over the ground, place a solar light near plant  

• Biological: encouraging beneficial natural predators   

• And finally only use chemicals as a last resort: Even less toxic products can disturb the natural ecosystem and kill beneficial bugs   

 

Our plants are grown in an odor-free 100% renewable, compostable cow manure pot that is planted in the soil right along with the plant (see resource page*).  Since the roots are not disturbed, the plant suffers no transplant shock and establish quickly. As the pot decomposes it adds natural organic matter to the soil and best of all there is no plastic waste to be disposed into our landfills.  We also use biodegradable labels made of sugarcane with compostable and recyclable adhesive.        

   

By growing native plants in our own yard and now sharing the plants for others to plant and enjoy, we are all contributing to the protection and preservation of the native species population.  Native plants also attract native birds and butterflies, they can be drought tolerant, and tend to have fewer pest problems. 

I wish you success in your growing adventures!

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Please check out the Plant Inventory, Making Lei, Native Plant Sale, and Resource and References pages for further information.

 

Aloha,  

Grandma Lizzy 

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