Beautiful Bougainvillea – In our home town of Hanapepe Kauai we are surrounded by cascading Bougainvillea. As you come into the artist enclave of Hanapepe you see the colorful plants in of shades of red, orange, purple, pink and white hanging from above, in planters by the shops and in paintings and photographs of the local artists.
An 18th century French botanist Philibert Commerson discovered the colorful plant along the coast of Brazil when sailing with his friend Louis A. de Bougainville a French Canada explorer. In the time of exploration it was common for a trade vessel to have scientist on board to document findings and bring back to the homeland new species of flora and fauna.
Bougainvillea is popular for its colorful flower and its hearty temperament. Bougainvillea will thrive in almost any soil as long as it is well-drained and fertile as evident by the lush plants that hang in route to the entrance of Hanapepe from rock cliffs.
Resorts landscape designers’ plants hedges of Bougainvillea to establish color and function along buildings, walkways and parking lots. Luxury home developers incorporate Bougainvillea into landscape design to bring color and texture to gardens and create a tropical sense of place. Backyard gardeners create trellis to bring bursts of color to patios and decks.
Bougainvillea can be planted in the ground, in decorative pots or in baskets. Soils that work for other plants you grow will be fine for your bougainvillea as long as the medium drains well. Soil should be moist but no standing water. In Hawaii the conditions are perfect for growing beautiful bougainvillea as they love full sun. You can plant them anywhere that gets at least 5 hours a day of full sunlight, with bougainvillea more hours of direct sun is better. Less than 5 hours and the plant may not bloom very well. Your plants will thrive in shade or partial shade, but only have nice green growth with little or no blooms.
ABBY’s TIPS:Bougainvillea can be heavy feeders. Here are some tips to keep your plants looking like the Sheraton Poipu Beach Bougainvillea. Use fertilizer with high phosphorus, micronutrients, as well as additional iron and magnesium Slow or timed release fertilizers are acceptable. Make sure you follow the fertilizer label Plants grow best with small amounts of nutrients constantly available. Do not apply fertilizers to dry soil. Do not over fertilize – less is better than more
Producing more of our own food in Hawaii is a trend that is really taking hold.
Since the economic tsunami of 2008 folks all over are growing more fruits and veggies to sell at farmers markets or at a home fruit stand or just for their own table.
NKO supports this movement and the positive long tern benefits that individuals and communities can harvest from local growing efforts. Local agriculture projects in backyard gardens, boutique farms and commercial enterprises all have a part in increasing our local food sustainability.
Growing food on island keeps money in the local economy, protects important green space, support thriving ag communities, helps reduce the risk of invasive species, and make us more secure against disruptions to our food supply lines from human or natural disasters.
At NKO we often get asked “What kind of fruit trees are the best to plant in my back yard?” Here are Abby’s suggestions:
Want to be part of a larger network, connecting with people who share this interest check out The Fruit Tree Planting Foundation ( FTPF) a nonprofit charity dedicated to planting edible, fruitful trees and plants to benefit the environment and all its inhabitants. FTPF primary mission is to plant and help others plant a collective total of 18 billion fruit trees across the world (approximately 3 for every person alive) and encourage their growth under organic standards. http://www.ftpf.org/mission.htm
Fruit Tree Planting Tips: http://www.plantithawaii.com/
Xeriscaping is an innovative and creative means of conserving water through the landscape. Xeriscaping is a part of a sustainable approach to landscaping beginning with “Right Plant Right Place.”
Did you know an estimated 50% of water consumption in the average home is used outdoors! With water a most precious and limited natural resource, sustainable landscape service providers and conscious homeowners want to minimize water waste and enjoy a lush beautiful landscape.
Using a Xeriscape concept can save anywhere from 30 to 80 percent in water consumption. Good for the Planet Earth! This concept translates to real dollars savings on water and sewer charges, as well. Good for the property owner! Think sustainability – How will I plan, plant, and maintain a garden taking advantage of the native growing climate and make efficient use of water.
Here are some simple guidelines to consider when Xeriscaping you property or residence. 1. A Xeriscape garden starts with good planning and design. 2. Use a LEED rate turf. NKO recommends El Toro. 3. A well-planned irrigation system saves water. 4. Amend soil to be efficient in H2O absorption and water-holding capacity. 5. Mulch planting beds for low maintenance. 6. "Less-thirsty" plants improve your garden in more ways than one. 7. Regular maintenance preserves the beauty of your landscape & saves water.
When planning your garden many landscape designers and homeowners forget to ask “HOW WILL THIS BE MAINTAINED?” Regular ongoing maintenance includes mowing, pruning, weeding, proper fertilization and pest control. This can all be accomplished in a sustainable approach.
Pay attention to the irrigation system and be sure to adjust water delivery depending on the time of the year and real climate condition.
There are many native Hawaiian plants that are less thirsty and provide beautiful design. Visit Flora at the NKO Nursery in Hanapepe and she can help with your Xeriscape sustainable plant selection.
Looking for a new plant to brighten up your home’s entryway, lanai, deck or a special gift for that gardener in your life… NKO has a great suggestion!
It’s hot - It’s sexy - It’s Fantastic!
Yes Fantastic is a beautiful plant that won two (2) top 2010 awards at the 2010 Tropical Plant Industry Exhibition (TPIE) • Favorite New Foliage Plant • Retailer's Choice Award
Fantastic is a succulent perennial. It has compact shape and beautiful variegation. Fantastic has a dramatic red edging that intensifies with the sun. The vibrant red color radiates into golden sunset hues from the leaf tip and blushes over the silvery-green, rounded leaves
Fantastic is easy to grow. It is naturally robust and a sustainable choice as it is a drought tolerant plant. Left on its own Fantastic will grow much to 24" tall and 24" wide. Because it’s a clumping fast grower it can be the source for many keki plants. This a good value to bring into a garden
Hawaii gardeners love this plant because it’s salt tolerant so no matter where you live in the islands you can plant Fantastic. Landscapers use Fantastic in rock gardens, perennial container gardens and patios because of its fabulous color, attractive leaves and low maintenance. Planted in a bed it makes a 'Fantastic' display.
Care Instructions: Enjoys Full Sun and slightly dry conditions
Botanical Name: Kalanchoe Thyrsiflora
Attributes Interesting Foliage Salt Tolerant Unique, Rare or Special Xeriscape/Drought Tolerant
A fundamental value of No Ka Oi Landscape Services is giving back to the community.One of our relationships is especially heartfelt – Eleele Elementary School - NKO’s adopted school. Many NKO employees, including Frank Santos NKO Owner, attended Eleele School. Others have children and grandchildren attending today.
Eleele Elementary School students were planning for May Day 2008 and asked NKO to help the school with restoring their Hula Mound that was left unusable after construction. NKO was happy to support the school and adopted the Hula Mound as our annual NKO Earth Day Project.
Last month NKO was asked to talk with the Eleele 2nd Grade students about their “Spearmint Planting Project.”The students planted the herb in boxes and were making tea but wanted more info. NKO does not sell herbs but we do enjoy using them! We thought we would share the lesson plan info NKO presented with you.
SPEARMINT:
1.Spearmint is probably the best loved of all of the herbal mints grown in the home garden due to its delightful scent and beautiful lavender colored flowers.
2.Spearmintoriginated from the Mediterranean area of the world and has been used and appreciated for thousands of years.
3.It was first discovered by the Romans who spread it across Europe and into Britain.
4.Most people have drank mint tea but Spearmint leaves add a wonderful, tasty touch to fruits and are also put in salads, peas and potatoes, omelets as well as in mint jelly and mint sauce.
5.Spearmint oil is used for making flavorings for many things including candy, ice cream chewing gum and toothpaste and mouth wash.
6.It is also used as a fragrance for room fresheners, soaps and cleaning products.
7.Spearmint has long been used as remedy for sore stomach, headaches, nausea, diarrhea, and other sicknesses.
PLANTING SPEARMINT:
1.The plant consists of a smooth, leafy stem withbeautifulspikes of purple flowers on the top. These flagrant, little flowers normally appear from July to September.
2.Spearmint is a perennial herb plant, meaning it will return to your garden, year after year.
3.Plant them in full sun, to partial shade, where the sun will be gotten during the morning hours. They like rich, moist soil.
4.It can reach two to three feet high.Left unattended it can take over the entire garden.
5.You will need to keep it under control by weeding out the stems that appear where they are unwanted. Plant spearmint in pots to avoid this problem.
1.Unfortunately, mint is susceptible to an incurable disease called Rust fungus.
2.All that can be done is to prevent the spread of the disease by digging up all plants that show any sign of rust.
3.The same ground should not be used again for mint for several years.
4.Healthy stock should be obtained and planted in uninfected soil, some distance away.
5.On account of this liability of mint to rust, it is advisable not to have it all in one bed, but to have several beds of it, placed at some distance from each other.
Harvesting Fresh Mint:
The best time to harvest mints for drying is just before they flower.
Mint leaves retain the highest oil content prior to flowering. The oil content in herbs is what gives the herb its aroma and flavor.
If possible always cut mint mid-morning after the leaves have dried but before the heat of the day. Harvesting in the early evening is also a good time.
Harvest spearmint by cutting it with a pair of sharp gardening shears to avoid damaging the plant.
When you harvest mint cut stems of equal length and at least 4" -5" long. You will need the length in the stems if you intend to hang your mint upside down to dry.
After the flowers of the plant are pau, cut the entire plant back to almost ground level to encourage a second growth period.
Drying Methods:
Spearmint can be dried by hanging in a dark, warm area.
Spearmint must be dried thoroughly before storing.
Drying Spearmint:
Gather a bunch of spearmint together by the stems and tie tightly with twine. Cover the bunch of mint with a brown lunch bag and secure.
Cover the spearmint with a brown bag will help them to retain their color and oil content during the drying process.
Hang the bunch of herbs upside down in a dark , warm (70 degrees - 80 degrees) well-ventilated, dust free area.
It typically takes 1-2 weeks for the spearmint to dry completely.
Remove the leaves from the stem after the drying process has finished to store.
Storage Techniques:
When your mint leaves are completely dry, either carefully remove them from the brown bag.
I recommend not crushing your herbs, but rather storing them whole and then crushing them if needed right before using.
Store the dried herbs in airtight containers such as canning jars.
Never store dry spearmint in plastic containers or plastic wrap as the oil will leech out of the herbs into the plastic.
Check your stored spearmint frequently after you have stored them for the first few weeks to look for any signs of moisture.
Spearmint will mold quickly in closed jars if not completely dry.
Once you are sure the herbs are completely dry, place them in the airtight containers, and store them in a cool, dry place away from light.
Using SPEARMINT:
Used fresh or dried, spearmint makes a delicious tea.
Spearmint can also be used as a seasoning for rice, salads and desserts. It goes well with lamb, peas and with new potatoes.
Seeping the fresh leaves in milk or cream makes a flavor for chocolate or deserts.
Simple SPEARMINT Recipes:
SPEARMINT Punch:
Pick a quart of fresh mint leaves, then wash and dry them by shaking them in a clean kitchen towel. Put them into a large jug and mash them with a wooden spoon till soft, when cover with freshly boiled water and infuse for ten minutes. Strain, cool, then set on ice till required. Add two cups of chilled grape juice and strained lemon juice to taste. Sweeten with Hawaiian cane sugar or honey and then add a quart of ginger ale. Fill each tumbler to one-third with cracked ice and fill up with the punch.
SPEARMINT Vinegar:
Fill a jar or bottle with young mint leaves picked from the stalks. Cover with cold white or sherry vinegar and cork or cover the bottle. Infuse for 14 days, and then strain off the vinegar. Use with meats like lamb or new potatoes.
Peas & SPEARMINT:
Cook frozen peas according to package. Add a nice bunch of fresh spearmint sprigs to the water to give your peas a fresh flavor.
Pineapple &SPEARMINT Salad:
Combine cut up pineapple, red onion, fresh spearmint leaves and pinch of salt in a small bowl. That’s it!
Frank and I are International Space Station (ISS) followers.We get tweets from ISS with time and dates (http://twitter.com/space_station) the Station is visible in the Hanapepe sky and like children are taken in by the wonder of our sighting. It’s amazing to think that so many miles above Planet Earth Astronauts are living and working just like us…but different because they are in Space and we are on Earth!
In 1971 Astronaut Stewart A. Roosa (http://nssdc.gsfc.nasa.gov/planetary/text/roosa_pr.txt) was the command module piloton the Apollo 14 Lunar Mission. Before joining NASA Roosa was a smoke jumper for the United States Forest Service (USFS). This connection led to the USFS chief to ask Roosa to bring USFS tree seeds into space. The folks at USFS had an idea to see if seeds that made the journey into Space would grow back on Earth. NASA was not yet conducting scientific experiments in Space that were unrelated to the Apollo Missions so Roosa used his personal travel kit to bring some 500 USFS tree seeds along for the trip to the Moon.Until Apollo 14 astronaut’s travel kits were filled with coins and trinket items like golf balls so this little experiment not only brought us Moon Trees but opened the hatch for NASA to explore nontraditional scientific experiments in the theater of space.
Roosa, paying tribute to his USFS Ohana, packed his personal kit with a cylinder of Redwood, Pine, Fir and Sycamore tree seeds. The seeds made the 21 day journey to the Moon and back. The biggest challenge was back on Earth when during NASA decontamination the seed capsule burst!The seeds scattered all over the de-com chamber, got all mixed up and were thought to be rendered useless for germination. Dis-heartened NASA workers swept up the seeds and sent to them off to USFS with low expectations for germination.It was to everyone’s surprise and delight that the little experiment that almost went very wrong produced healthy seedlings that would be known as Moon Trees!
This little event created a wonderful legacy that speaks to the amazing pioneering spirit and natural curiosity of us as Americans represented by Astronaut Roosa, the USFS and NASA. Interested to own a Moon Tree? Link here: (http://www.historictrees.org/produ_ht/moonsycm_cc.htm)
