If you live on or are visiting the Big Island, consider joining the Hawaii Island Palm Society as we tour the garden of George and Lynn Peavy on Sept, 20.  This west side garden tour is being offered for the first time.  Their garden includes over 300 individual palms representing 124 species, including all 4 species of Johannesteijsmannia, 3 species of Raphia (regalia, hookerii, and mambillensis), Geonoma atrovirens, Sclerosperma mannii, Schippa concolor, Voaniola gerardii, and 3 of the 5 species of Pritchardia native to the Big Island.

To learn more about the Hawaii Island Palm Society or about this garden tour, click here.

From George and Lynn:  

We purchased the property as a relatively undeveloped 8 acre parcel in 2003 with a plan of it becoming our retirement home, and began development as absentee owners. Approximately 6 acres are in commercial production (citrus, coffee and dragon fruit), 1 acre of buildings and botanical garden, and 1 acre of ancient terraces and rock walls that are gradually being hand cleared for expansion of the garden.  

Our first year was devoted to planning and permitting. Clearing and preparation of the orchard spaces started in 2005 with installation of the orchards in 2006-2007. We began planning and installing trees and palms in 2008 in order to establish canopy before our retirement, although the addition of palms is a continuously on-going adventure. Following retirement in 2016 we moved to the Big Island and began the construction of our home and other farm structures, while broadening the garden with a diverse collection of crotons, aroids, bromeliads and other tropical plants.

 

 

 

 

To learn more about the Hawaii Island Palm Society or about this garden tour, click here.

 

@mike in kurtistown Posted photos from the garden tour here, thanks to all who attended and to our gracious hosts!