Practical landscaping solutions for modern living

Landscaping options today run the gamut from historical to futuristic as a result of gardening innovations and the worldwide exchange of ideas brought about by quick, affordable travel, and, of course, the Internet.

With nearly endless landscaping choices, options not heard of just a generation ago are becoming mainstream. New plant varieties arrive almost daily, but new pests and diseases also are making our backyard paradise their home, and the influences of climate change are beginning to be felt.

The downfall of many gardens and the gardening experience is the presence of insect pests, diseases and abiotic stress. We work hard to make our garden a reflection of our effort, only to see it wither away. Early detection of plant problems and their causes will lead to a healthier landscape that requires less future intervention.

Many people wish plants could talk, so they would know how to care for them. The truth of the matter is that plants are always talking to you and sometimes they are screaming. If you don’t understand the language, however, it is meaningless mumbling. The language of plants is not what you hear, but what you see, what you feel, and what you smell.

What is a wilted plant saying to you? Many nongardeners who experience this kind of thing might respond with additional watering. This response is either correct or terribly wrong. If you understand the nuances of the language of the plant you would first get a general consensus on its condition. Does the plant look healthy? Are there any diseases or pests present? Is the soil dry or wet? Dry soil justifies extra watering, but wet soil could indicate root rot from over-watering.

In days past, a plot of land in every yard was devoted to a home garden to produce fruits, fiber, vegetables and pot herbs for the kitchen. Today the trend is to integrate the vegetable garden, herbs and fruit trees into the landscape design of the yard. Gone are the straight rows of beets and cabbages, only to morph into the contoured lines of a flowing garden boulevard. This is where edible, ornamental and utilitarian plants are co-mingled for color, shape and texture to highlight the landscape. These dual purpose gardens are especially great for the small yards that many of us have in Hawaii.

Before the advent of synthetic fertilizers and pest control products, nearly all landscapes were organic, as only naturally available products were used. Natural soil fertility was exploited, rotational cropping was practiced, fallow cropping, and even procedures similar to slash and burn methods were used. Fields were regularly amended with animal manures when they were available. Today, organic landscapes by design are coming back with homeowners selecting from a menu of cutting-edge practices. The use of bokashi compost, compost tea and beneficial microorganisms has become the new standard.

Once upon a time, large yards were a desired feature for any landscape and it was part of the American dream to have a home with a yard surrounding it. Lawns have widespread appeal, whether we actively use the turf-covered landscape or just admire it as a buffer from our neighbors.

Is there a perfect lawn for the Hawaiian landscape? Perfect is in the eye of the beholder as we consider lawn usage, maintenance requirements, aesthetic beauty and cost of maintenance.

Looking for more information on this topic: Consider attending the Hawaii Island Landscape Association Conference to be held Oct. 18 at the Hapuna Beach Prince Hotel. Contact Ty McDonald at 322-4884 for details.

For more information on this and other gardening topics, visit the CTAHR electronic publication website at ctahr.hawaii.edu/site/info.aspx or visit any of the Cooperative Extension Service offices around the island. I can be reached at russelln@hawaii.edu.