Two Days, Thirty-seven Palms

[Kim]

Wow, I have to catch up with all the comments here!

Zeeth -- coconuts. Yes, there is a large cocos at the entrance to the property that I have left standing so far. But I took out two very small cocos that were planted very close to the house. With all the possibilities of exotic palms to plant, your beloved coconut falls way down the list. However, take a short drive to the beach, and that's all there is, so the best of all possible worlds, in my opinion.

Stevo, Paul, Matt in SD, Rylandus, and anyone else curious about digging holes -- after the backhoe came through here, digging is a cinch -- well, mostly. Forget about making a 4-ft. hole! The Master demonstrated the quick and dirty method: a few vigorous whacks with a pick to loosen the stones, pull a few out of the way, stuff in the rootball, followed by generous applications of cinder soil firmly tamped down. Then on to the next palm. It was like an assembly line.

Ari - about the long pants and sleeves - sun, mud, and mozzies! It's certainly warm enough for shorts and a tank top, but I prefer more coverage while working in the garden.

Freaky Matt -- deluxe? The lodgings are not deluxe; very basic 800 sq. ft. house, so far mostly unfurnished, and the water is not yet potable. This is a continuing project.

Jeff in CR -- colorful? Absolutely! Just imagine the possibilities...

MattyB, oh, the "What the heck am I doing?" moment was in January when I was there by myself buying a chainsaw and trying to get the upper hand on the resident insects.

Jeff S. -- stop by any time with your shovel and we'll keep your cup full.

Lee, fantastic boulder stories and photos! I expect we will encounter similar when we get into the back third of the acre that will be hand cleared. That's so different from the areas that are machine cleared. And actually I'm really looking forward to that, where the original topography will be undisturbed, should be very interesting. I've noticed we have to look out for holes!! Lots of lava tree holes all over the place...

More photos later, still a dozen palms to account for...

[DoomsDave]

Kim:

Hmm. How recent were those lava flows that had the tree holes in them?

Hope not too . . . .

(That's where the lava flowed around trees, burning the trunks and leaving the holes. Bad for the garden, in the short term!)

[tikitiki]

I only wish I had rocks like that where I live. I do not even have the smallest of pebbles. I have to buy rocks if I want them.

Hi Kim,

Mike and I really enjoyed seeing the photos of your garden. It already looks amazing!

We also got a kick out of the fact that you had bolders delivered! We have (too) plentiful a supply on the Kona side and they always seem to be where we want to plant a palm. Here are a few photos of some of the boulders that Mike has dug up with his o’o (pry) bar.

The first photo shows three rocks that were all in one spot under one of our trails. One had a 3” cap jutting up through the trail. After tripping over it for a couple months Mike decided it had to go. 6 hours later he had all three of them out of the ground and we had a 4’ deep hole where they had been. We moved them downhill about ten feet and created a seating area.

The third photo shows a bolder that was completed buried under several inches of soil - right where we wanted to put the Kerriodoxa on the far right. It makes a great sitting/viewing rock.

The last bolder, and two other of nearly the same size, were on a blue rock ridge where we wanted to plant a 15 gal Dictyosperma album. Since it was the only thing that "jumped" a bit when Mike piked it, it was the only hole possibility in the area. Unfortunately it was wedged between two other sizeable rocks which had to be removed to get the first bolder out. Three hours later we had a hole with a very large diameter but that was only 10” deep. We used all three rocks to create a soil buildup for the palm.

Glad Tim pointed you in the direction of the Asterogyne martiana at the BIAN sale. They were stunning.

Lee

[Kim]

For the front area, I had expressed an interest in BIG beefy Dypsis. We first took a look at some monsters in the garden,

Next thing you know, there's a Dypsis prestoniana waiting to be planted.

[Kim]

Behind the log is a nice little clearing between some ohi'a trees, the perfect spot to show off a Welfia regia which will eventually sport a 15-ft. emergent red frond! And that makes 37 palms planted in 2 days!

Though it was raining ever harder, I had to go back and plant some of the little extras, and make sure everything had a good dose of fertilizer.

[Kim]

The next morning, the sky was blue and the sun was warm, but it was time to pack up and return to San Diego. A few more parting shots of our handiwork:

The first orchid gets attached to the log...

[Kim]

Did I tell you about all the anthuriums on the property? Coming in the drive...

Looking back toward the street.

They make beautiful arrangements:

[Kim]

Don't you love the color on that D. paludosa crownshaft?

And the red rock in front of the Areca vestiaria?

Until we meet again...

[Shon]

Good call on the Welfia one of my faves. Wait till you see how big everything is when you get back over there. Hawaiian month is like a So Cal year.

[OverGrown]

One of the boulders has a big hole in it.. you should return it...

Great post! Will look forward to seeing them grow!

[Palm Painter]

Steve and Kim,

INDEED!!!!

Palm Painter

[Peter]

What will this do to your California gardening state of mind?

[palmcurry]

You go Kim! Good to see someone going big. Thats the way to do it

[Kris]

Thanks for those wonderful visuals.. and i have given marks for the lovely stills.By the way this reminds me to plant some palms here in our garden.I think i must call for my assistants.

Lots of love,

kris

[ariscott]

Anthurium is another favourite of mine... that I have to wait AGAIN to get... At least you can plant them in a lot more sun over there compared to us here...

Regards, Ari

[Daryl]

Wow Kim, you must have had the time of your life! I bet you can't wait to get back there... It will be a very special garden in no time!

Daryl

[Jeff Searle]

Anthurium is another favourite of mine... that I have to wait AGAIN to get... At least you can plant them in a lot more sun over there compared to us here...

Regards, Ari

I often shake my head and smile when I hear the Hawaii people refer to planting palms in the "full sun", ( not so much reffering to coastal areas).This was again evident on a recent visit to Jeff's place @ Floribunda Palms.Palms might be placed out in an open area, but the cloud cover is there more frequently than areas compared to here in south Florida. As you know, with lots of rainy days, comes lots of clouds. This is certainly not a "knock" on the Hawaii collectors and growers, just my personal views and opinions. The bottom line is, this part of Hawaii has some of the best climates in the world for growing palms! And if I wasn't so deeply rooted here in south Florida, I would also own a small piece of growing paradise too!

Jeff

[BS Man about Palms]

Kim-

You standing under that Dypsis bejoufa and looking up is now tied with you in habitat with the Dypsis ony's as my favorite for expressing your joy in the world of Dypsis!

Thanks!

Bill

[tinman10101]

Kim

What an extraordinary beginning to what will become a magnificent garden!!! You are truly the envy of many here of not only Southern California but around the world. Cheers to you and your Hawaiian property!

Tin

[realarch]

Kim & Steve, you must be exhausted and exhilarated with your last Hawaii trip. Your new endeavor is now very real and I know it will give you

new energy and focus in your every day life. Your 'work' vacations will be some of the most enjoyable times of your life. For us it was the most rewarding

adventure we have ever been on. Honestly, I've not been slacking too much in the garden department and hope to post some pics soon of what has become an almost full time job, 'the garden'. Maybe you, Steve, Bo and Karolyn at our place on your next visit.

Tim

[RainForestt Robert]

Kim and Steve,

Congratulations on the new joint over in Hawaii. Kim, with your impeccable taste and artistic eye I look forward to a cornucopia of palms, bromeliads, orchids, etc. I was not disappointed with your start. I look forward to your updates. I also hope that another biennial is organized for Hawaii in the not too distant future. One day I would like to take it all in personally.

Robert

[John in Andalucia]

Kim, you looked like you were hanging out with the stars under some of those palms! And knowing that whilst you are away they'll grow like weeds, must make you feel silly inside, I bet!

[Kim]

Hello all, time to catch up with your comments again...

Shon -- the Hawaiian growth rate is definitely one of the main attractions, along with the rain. Heh, I guess there is a connection.

Peter -- My California gardening state of mind has totally changed, which I did not expect. Winter has lost its sting. My mind has shifted gears to "simplify, simplify" the San Diego garden. And it looks so small and crowded!

Vince, going big? Yes, for once, no small plans -- or plants!

Ari, I am just beginning to understand this environment, what works and what doesn't. As Jeff and Bo explained, the prevailing overcast and constant humidity really extend what can be planted in the open, it's pretty amazing. This is very different from your distinct wet and dry seasons.

Daryl, for sure we can't wait to get back. Already checking the calendar and looking for deals on flights for the next visit.

BS Man, oh, who wouldn't smile while gazing up at that gorgeous bejofa! Incredible palm! I was having a bejofa moment.

Tin -- it wasn't so long ago that I was on the envy side of the equation, believe me. I feel very lucky.

Robert! So good to hear from you! Hey, don't wait for a biennial to go to Hawaii, just make your plans and go. You have connections.

John, feeling silly inside? You can't imagine...!!

[Gtlevine]

Looks fantastic Kim and I must say I am extreemely jealous. I came close several times to buy in Hawaii but my wife is just not interested and would never go. Steve is a lucky man, he better treat you like gold.

Gary

[Moose]

Swooning.

Sofa!

Shattered . . . .

I must second the swooning et al ...

Ron.

[Peter Pacific]

Swooning.

Sofa!

Shattered . . . .

I must second the swooning et al ...

Ron.

Hi Kim, I don't know how I missed this post! Congratulations! How much fun you must be having creating your garden. I, too, was shocked when I read that you put your Calyptrocalyx elegans in full sun until I read the other posts. Full sun for us in Guatemala is a torrid hell and mine are in full shade! I wish you the best of luck with you new venture and I'm sure it wont be too long before Hawaii becomes your home and those three or four trips a year will be made to California! It must kill you to leave! Keep us in photos, Peter

[Alicehunter2000]

Excellent Kim, I really enjoy seeing that hardscape going in. As others from Florida have mentioned, rocks and boulders are not much of an option around these parts unless you have big $$. I have a question....can you plant in a lava tube? or is it an air pocket that has no bottom? It is just too cool to be able to not only own some property there, but to be able to travel there frequently to enjoy it......of course you know this means that you will eventually have to move there? right?

[Peter Pacific]

Excellent Kim, I really enjoy seeing that hardscape going in. As others from Florida have mentioned, rocks and boulders are not much of an option around these parts unless you have big $$. I have a question....can you plant in a lava tube? or is it an air pocket that has no bottom? It is just too cool to be able to not only own some property there, but to be able to travel there frequently to enjoy it......of course you know this means that you will eventually have to move there? right?

Hello again Kim, I have one question. I was looking at and enjoying your pictures for a second time and noticed something around the base of several palms but most noticeably on the Welfia regia. I am assuming it's fertilizer. Can you tell me what you're using and if it will not harm the recently planted palms? Thanks, Peter

[Kim]

Excellent Kim, I really enjoy seeing that hardscape going in. As others from Florida have mentioned, rocks and boulders are not much of an option around these parts unless you have big $$. I have a question....can you plant in a lava tube? or is it an air pocket that has no bottom? It is just too cool to be able to not only own some property there, but to be able to travel there frequently to enjoy it......of course you know this means that you will eventually have to move there? right?

Hello again Kim, I have one question. I was looking at and enjoying your pictures for a second time and noticed something around the base of several palms but most noticeably on the Welfia regia. I am assuming it's fertilizer. Can you tell me what you're using and if it will not harm the recently planted palms? Thanks, Peter

Alicehunter -- About planting in a lava tube, I haven't actually done that -- that I know of! A lava tube, from what I have seen, is a large, empty, cavelike tube formed from a river of flowing lava that has cooled on the outside to form the tubular shell. Then when the lava flow has ebbed, it leaves the shell behind in the form of the tube. (You can see a photo of Bo and I standing in a collapsed lava tube in his Napau Hike thread inthe travel section. Or Google 'Thurston Lava Tube' to see an example.) If there is such a formation on my property, I haven't found it, but there are many smaller such "air pockets" in the lava formations, or 'pukas' as they call them, which can make digging a hole very easy. But when planting in one, I have to be sure I can fill the hole with cinder soil, because I don't want the soil to wash away from the roots during a heavy rain. What I've come across more commonly are lava trees, vertical holes in the form of a tree trunk. These are formed when a lava flow hits wet trees and coats them; the trees don't burn right away because they are so wet, so when the lava cools around the trees, and then the flood of lava retreats, you have these vertical lava rock structures remaining. Often they are above ground, making a nice feature for the garden, collecting moss, ferns, and other plants in the nooks and crannies of the rock. I have found numerous deep vertical lava tree holes that extend below ground on my land, and I have not planted in them so far. It's hard to determine how deep they are, and again, filling a deep hole with purchased soil doesn't seem like such a great idea. I should emphasize, this is all new to me! If anyone with more experience would like to add something here, please do.

Will I be moving here eventually? At this point, I have no idea -- keeping all options open.

Peter, yes, that is cheap fertilizer, 14-14-14, around the base of the palms. I was surprised to learn I should go ahead and use a lot of it. Due to the frequent, heavy rains in the area, the fertilizer won't last long. I really should have bought a slow-release fertilizer, at higher cost, but more efficient use of the content. Another islander has recommended using dolomite to aid in mineral intake. I have a lot to learn about this kind of gardening.

[Pez]

For the front area, I had expressed an interest in BIG beefy Dypsis.

Next thing you know, there's a Dypsis prestoniana waiting to be planted.

Is that an inflorescense / spathe i see poking out of the bejofa?

[BS Man about Palms]

For the front area, I had expressed an interest in BIG beefy Dypsis.

Next thing you know, there's a Dypsis prestoniana waiting to be planted.

Is that an inflorescense / spathe i see poking out of the bejofa?

[BS Man about Palms]

Does anyone have a good photo of a "Lava tree hole"?

[Kim]

Uh, "good photos", well, I have photos...

Two I found in January, and a larger one I found in March. Watch your step!

[BS Man about Palms]

Thanks!!

[Moose]

Thanks!!

Bill - this should motivate you to start your own thread!

"Two years, seven palms"

Very interesting thread... thanks for posting Kim!

[bubba]

Kim, I am going way out on a limb to say I bet you are going to have some major fun with this! Congratulations!

[palmazon]

guao

[Kim]

guao

?? The bark of an Ecuadorean dog? No comprendo, mono.

Thanks Moosie and Bubba! We are having fun while working.