Some folks might say making New Year resolutions is a waste of time, because we often forget what we resolved by the end of January. However, the main key to success is to make resolutions that are measurable, reasonable and reachable. For example, if every Hawaii Island resident planted just one tree a month in 2023, that would be well over two million trees to sequester carbon and produce tons of oxygen thus helping to slow global warming. To be practical, that might be a resolution too big to achieve. To bring the resolution down to scale, plant what you can in your garden.
The University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources Master Gardener program is a great way to get involved with efforts to make our gardens and communities more beautiful and environmentally friendly. There are classes and workshops available. You can even become a Master Gardener by getting involved in their training programs. That would be an achievable resolution and might change your life. Get acquainted with the Master Gardeners at the January 29th plant sale. It will be from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Komohana Research and Extension Complex in Hilo. For further information you may call (808) 981-5199 or email himga@hawaiii.edu.
Our island is special in that we can grow almost any plant in the many micro climates that exist here. We have some of the most beautiful scenery found anywhere in the world. However, it does take conscious planning, planting and maintenance to bring out the best.
By planting trees, we can actually change the “microclimate” and make our gardens and community several degrees cooler in the summer. If trees are placed just right, we can even create a garden climate that is warmer and less windy during the cooler season. It’s really interesting when we expand these basic principles. What happens when everyone in the neighborhood or community plants trees? Well, we can actually change the climate over fairly large areas. USDA foresters have research data which supports the theory that reforestation may increase local rainfall in dry areas and modify temperature extremes. You might say that trees are natural air conditioners. When enough are planted in an area, temperatures remain cooler in the summer. The sun’s rays don’t have a chance to penetrate and heat up the ground. In the winter, those strong trade winds are blocked. The trees keep things cool in July and give protection from wind in January.
The best place to start improving the beauty of the island is right at home. In selecting trees for shade, consider the hundreds of varieties of tropical plants that produce food as well as shade. Depending on your taste, available space for planting, and location, we can grow almost anything. The more popular types of fruit trees include mango, coconut, citrus, guava, avocado, papaya, lychee, breadfruit, and banana. Of course, our number one nut, the macadamia, is also an attractive choice.
Besides the more common edibles, the cashew, carambola, sapodilla, sugar apple, sour sop, loquat, longan, and tamarind are others that are ornamental trees.
We don’t have to stop with these. Shrubs like the natal plum, ceylon gooseberry, surinam cherry or pineapple guava might also be used.
Vines often add the right touch on a fence. Passion fruit, ceylon spinach, winged bean and others will produce goodies to treat your appetite.
Even edible ground covers may be incorporated into a garden. Many herbs are tough and attractive as are some of our tropical vegetables, like dry land taro, sweet potato, monstera, and Tahitian spinach.
There are so many choices. The list is almost endless. Several books are available at local bookstores and garden supply stores. There are also many publications available through the University of Hawaii to help you with care and use of some of the plants you might select. Don’t forget to connect with our Master Gardeners. To contact the Master Gardeners in West Hawaii call (808) 322-4893. They can help in planning your landscape and maintaining it in the proper manner.