Four Years and Counting

Fragrant Pua Kinikini

Red blooms of Hawaiian Ti

We began to buy plants for our undeveloped acre long before the container of our personal possessions arrived at the port of Hilo on the Big Island.

As is true in life, some things don't grant you the delight of instant gratification like the familiar annuals (or even perennials) of  The Continent.

Hybrid Bromeliad
 (Reba for size perspective)

That being said, we had no idea that we might have to wait not two or three years, but four or five years for some of our first one-gallon purchases to bloom.

Newly planted bed outside
our front gate (bromeliads)

One of many Heliconia varieties

Ta DAH....well, this is that year, and we are delighted with some significant and crazy blooms.

While these may appear to be exotic, here in the rainy jungle-forest area the Puna District, they show up frequently in gardens we have visited.

On our visit to the Botanical Gardens above Hilo, we were stunned by the outrageous blooms of both Heliconia and Bromeliads, and of course the huge variety of colorful Ti plants, so these are featured in our landscaping. In addition to the flowers, our fruit trees have been loaded with both blossoms and fruit. Like many of our friends and neighbors, we have a couple trees each of oranges, tangerines, limes and lemons, a couple dozen pineapple plants, passion fruit (Liliko'i), papayans -- and eatable.

WE WILL UPDATE THIS POST WITH A PHOTO OF THE HYBRID BROMELIAD WHEN IT BLOOMS (PICTURED ABOVE AS JUST A 'STOCK') SHOULD BE STUNNING. 

Moss & Artful Companions

Here in Pahoa on the Big Island of Hawaii, February was a wet month with over 30 inches of rain at our house although some elevations got a lot more. Here in the Puna District, however, our wealth is, in part, measured by how much water is in our 10,000 gallon catchment tank (artfully disguised with beautiful plantings.) This is our only source of water for our household and apartment.

The other day there was a break in the rain that allowed us to resume some of our outside yard projects, and we both were amazed at how many little surprises we found in the yard -- mosses, lichen and mushrooms in particular. We each took turns with the camera trying to catch the magic that then inspired some additional art and poetry! So, here's some of what we found and a little poem I wrote.

"MOSS SONG" by lunel

when the light is low

and shadows long

the mosses sing

the best slow songs

notes in a minor key

with altos strong

It seems like nearly everyone we know finds a way to create art, even our multi-talented yard helper, Marcus. Just this morning we ran into him at our local Leilani Estates Garage Sale where he had a few of his paintings for sale. I found one that I loved and he was willing to part with. The link below is a delightful time-lapse U-Tube video of Marcus painting it. Please check it out -- I hope you enjoy: Marcus painting: "Grasses"