Holy Holes!

It's taken some trial and error to discover this fabulous island landscaping secret!  And, I am willing to share it with you too.

On the mainland, when you are preparing to plant trees and shrubs, your first step would simply be to "dig a hole" -- but NOT in Hawaii!  Here, the easiest way to prep for a new tree or shrub is to dig OUT a few big chunks of lava.  Underneath you will find a rich layer of humus and wonderful worms!!  The bigger your new plant, the more chunks you dig out.  With the chunks of lava you've dug out, you have building materials for your next wall -- or edging around your newly planted trees.

Here's a spot I have leveled some, and removed some decent lava chunks for a row of rhododendrons we will buy at the Maku'u Market on Sunday.