skip to main content

Now I can really grow some palms

14 years ago

Just bought a place on 3 acres on the Big Island.

{{gwi:1130891}}

{{gwi:1130892}}

{{gwi:1130893}}

{{gwi:1130894}}

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (16)

tropicalzone7
14 years ago
Where to begin!!!! I can see a really nice inground pool with paths that lead to other things like a seating area or a gazeebo. Of course the paths would cut into a beautiful tropical forest filled with plants you chose. You have space to grow whatever you want! Enjoy your home!
siegel2
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks! With a record LOW of 60 degrees and average rainfall about 140 inches a year, I hope to build some thing like you described.
Related Discussions
Discouraged: Can I really grow my AV to look like the pictures?
Q
Comments (14)
This has been a really iteresting discussion, and yes dchall, I can usually rescue a plant in any kind of shape too. Don't you think that healthy ones should be on the sales floor? I bought the rescues in November. I was extremely lucky to find them at a WM near the warm gulf coast. The really healthy ones were probably picked over by June and the rest were probably gone by September. These were really the dregs. Bless you for rescueing all of those Walmart half dead NOID's, but ...BIG but, I bet even the walmart staff thought you were nut's buying them. Umm, yes they did. Are you trying to prove that the plants are durable, or your growing skills are so honed that you can save anything and keep them alive? Plants in the condition I got them in are not at all durable. It was my superior knowledge of soil science that performed the successful rescue of 12 of them. (My knowledge is superior to the soil's knowledge) Actually like I said this is an experiment. I expect to learn something. I purchased two healthier plants at WM last May and June. I killed the June one in standing water. Oops! But the other one was standing in water, too, and I caught it before it rotted. It is alive and blooming today in the original soil. Actually it stopped blooming two weeks ago when what appears to be a seed pod formed on a flower, but I digress. The success I had with that one plant after 6 months prompted me to try the rescue project. I figure keeping one plant alive could be a fluke, but keeping 15 sick plants alive would not be. The point of the experiment is to take these sickies and see if I can recover them, nurse them back to a blooming condition, and sustain them in a blooming condition indefinitely in the original WM pot and soil. I don't want any stem rot or leaf spots to form, but I am not taking any of the care y'all do in keeping water off the leaves. They get fertilizer water splashed on them at every watering. In fact I think many of you would be absolutely grossed out to know how I care for them, so I am resisting the temptation to explain it. But they are doing well to survive this long. If the experiment bombs, I'll explain it and let y'all know what not to do. So far my regimen is working inasmuch as I have not lost more than 3 plants in 8 weeks. If the experiments works, that means I get flowers from them all while remaining in the same soil, I will also explain that, but I would prefer to explain it from a position of some credibility rather than as a newby crackpot (which many folks already think I am). Do you think the average walmart shopper has your unique know how? Not hardly. I am an organic grower and not even all organic growers have my unique knowledge. Even after I explain what I do, half the organic growers don't believe it. YOU USE WHAT TO FERTILIZE? Once I'm getting flowers I will explain the concept and the science behind it. There is nothing really mysterious but if your background is in chemistry, it will be mysterious. You will need to forget some chemistry and learn some microbiology. The average WM shopper is the average person. That person may be an expert in some things but the things they are expert in, they probably do not shop at WM to buy (did that make sense?). I have a mentor who is trying an experiment with WM potting mix. He is in the soil amendment business and has been for 35 years. He used to try to compete with WM potting mixes but has since decided to test their mixes. He grows some plants in standard WM potting soil, identical plants in WM soil with his amendments, and identical plants in WM soil + his amendments + other amendments he is experimenting with. This concept goes along the lines of, "if you can't beat 'em, join 'em." Now he's promoting the use of WM potting soil, BUT now he has a small amendment package to make the WM soils act like his more expensive soils. This concept is the Genesis of my project. Do you think the average walmart shopper has the AV experience to know that those $25 everfloris violets are less than special, that they're inferior to most AV hybrids? This is probably much more to the point of this thread than anything I've already said. What makes one plant superior to another? In animals it is called 'conformation.' I know some plants are not considered 'conforming' if they have the wrong natural shape. What makes one African violet better than another?
...See More
Can I DS some poppies now?
Q
Comments (4)
I have had poppies volunteer in my garden in early summer in an area where they got morning sun and afternoon shade. It's still early enough to direct sow them in NEPA either by WS or direct sowing, but if direct sown they will most likely need protection from the sun until they get some growth. Don't let this current hot spell fool you, this is not our "normal" temperature, and we can still get frosts up here in the north. In my area they say the earliest safe planting date for tomatoes, for example, is June 1st. Of course WS toms are already hardened off so it's no problem for my babies.
...See More
I Brought in This Jade, So Can I Now Get Some Funk?
Q
Comments (16)
Karen, 'Bring in the Noise, Bring in the Funk' is the reference, with liberties taken. And thanks, I hope you'll like this one, too. Jade Man, Removed from the mother plant in February, the limb's maybe in need of repotting. I think I want to put it in a shallower pot. WW, I had nothing to do with it, unfortunately or not. I do think of it that way, too, so much so that I would like to dub it 'Jughead'. Josh, Your demand is met with velvet compliance from me. Pug, It's my pleasure to keep another Crassula ovata thread going - now if I can just figure out the provenance of the 'new' variegated Crassula ovata, which has seemed to gain both prominence and market share in the last few years. Here's the new-for-me one - I'd just like to find out how it appeared - is it the product of a laboratory? This is the one I've 'grown up' with and what I think of when someone says 'variegated Crassula ovata', but that's just a dinosaur indication.
...See More
Can I grow mustard greens now?
Q
Comments (4)
Sounds good guys... I finally just settled for some 'mustard spinach' off of a Fred Meyer's seed rack. I think it's the same species (diff cultivar) as other tender mustard greens. Also planted broccoli raab (same thing as rape?), some arugula from my spring plants that went to seed, and some plain ole spinach. I sowed them rather close together in small spaces in my plot, with the intent to transplant them around later once more summer stuff dies off. For some reason I have never really given winter gardening a try because I have a small plot to work with and I am stingy with my space... hopefully it will work out well this year.
...See More
statenislandpalm7a
14 years ago
I can already see the jungle LOL
chachacharlie
14 years ago
This is wonderful. Whereabouts is this on the Big Island? I travel to Hawaii frequently and love it there. You are very lucky and must now take advantage and grow EVERYTHING...oh man, I can't even imagine, I'd go totally crazy....enjoy!!
chachacharlie
14 years ago
Ok...you must now grow Red Sealing Wax palms....these are so beautiful!
siegel2
Original Author
14 years ago
Its south of Hilo in the Orchid Land Estates. I just love the idea of never having to water the plants.

First will be Red Sealing Wax (Cyrtostachys renda).
tropicalzone7
14 years ago
Oh yeah, that would be my first palm! They can only grow well in hawaii in the US. Breadfruits are nice too and also hard to grow out of the tropics, even southern florida. And of course coconut palms are a must, but I hear that rats like them in Hawaii, so you might have to watch out for that.

But you have so many beautiful tropical plants to chose from now. I would also look into the native hibiscus to the island. You would be planting native plants, and also beautiful rarer ones.

Good luck!
garyfla_gw
14 years ago
Hi
Sounds fantastic!!! Would be curious as to what's growing on the property now?? has it ever been planted ,landscaped farmed?? gary
andres_zone3
14 years ago
Amazing 3 acres anywhere in Hawaii is a pretty penny. I can just see a whole jungle look for the place. Even trees that you can grow in Cali will be massive with all the rain that Hawaii recieves. Im thinking here ceiba petandra, chorisia, baobobs, ect. As well as coconuts but also more tropical species like Nypa, sealing wax palm, amazonian stilt palms, Attalea ect. As well as all types of tropical fruits: mangoes, bananas, breadfruit, sapote, jackfruit ect. Good luck and please post more pics.
jbr999
14 years ago
Wow, you have a piece of paradise there. You could even start
your own palm nursery. I'm salivating over all the luscious tropical fruits you can grow there too.
Enjoy!
jbr999
protempsfish
14 years ago
Congrats Cagary. A fine piece of property. My vote would be an Areca Vesteria grove as well as a carpoxylon macrospermum. You are a lucky fellow! Good luck :)
jaynboro
14 years ago
congatulations on the new property! looks like a great place. i saw that chair on the porch and just imagined how nice that would be looking out over all the tropical gardens you are planning! good luck!
siegel2
Original Author
14 years ago
Thanks every one for your kind words.

tropicalzone7, Breadfruit will be one of the first fruit trees planted. I love the leaf shape and the fruit is delicious! Rats are a problem in the coconuts, but many people put 12" metal bands around the trunks so they can't climb the trees.

garyfla, there are a few recently planted trees on the property like mango, avocado and a few others. The native Ohia trees cover a lot of the undeveloped areas around the property.

andres_zone3, this part of Hawaii doesn't have the kind of prices that you might expect. Undeveloped lane can be had for as little as $15,000 an acre or less!

jbr999 , Lychee and Longan will be among the first of the fruit trees I plant. Mangosteen as well!

protempsfish, Areca Vesteria (red, orange, maroon, yellow and any other color they come in) will surly be part of the garden. And Carpoxylon will line the driveway. They never get too tall like Roystonea do.

jay, that lanai will be a great spot to view the garden!
jimhardy
14 years ago
Nice!
Fresh fruits straight from your own front/back yard and palm,etc heaven.
I hope you have the time to do everything you can imagine-CHEERS!
Loveplants2 8b Virginia Beach, Virginia
14 years ago
Beautiful!!!! I love everything in Hawaii!!!

Laura in VB
garyfla_gw
14 years ago
Hi
I think if it were me ,the first thing I'd do is draw up a list of "What not to plant" lol. With an ideal climate and 3 acres I see a strong back and NEVER getting old as requirements lol
hawaii must have 3 times the problems with invasive plants as florida.
You'd certainly want to draw up a good garden plan.
I'd always wanted to live in the mountains of Costa Rica because of the high altitude rain forests but could see right away planting would be almost out of the question lol. But WOW the "weeds" are fantastic lol
Hey you might go over to the Hawaii forum and rattle them a bit . With all the wonderful things you "could" grow I note most of the posts are about vegetables lol.
Generally true about the florida forum also lol good luck gary

Related Stories

GARDENING GUIDES Yes, You Can Grow Food in a Shady Yard

Your shady garden doesn’t have to be forever barren. Berries, herbs and other shade-loving plants can produce a delicious bounty

FALL GARDENING 5 Fall Fruits You Can Grow in Containers

Brighten your porch or patio with a potted pomegranate, kumquat, blueberry bush or another great fall fruit

SALVAGE Can We Bounce Some Great Recycled-Rubber Ideas Off You?

By Julia Pockett

No need to bemoan that spare tire. Old rubber is getting a guilt-free second life as flooring, pavers, sinks and even furniture

EDIBLE GARDENS Herb Garden Essentials: How to Grow Thyme

By Marianne Lipanovich

Common thyme and its flavorful cousins are anything but ordinary in the garden

FURNITURE The Coffee Table Grows Up

By Tiffany Carboni

These statement pieces reinvent the coffee table and can transform the living room

GARDENING GUIDES Yes, You Can Grow an Edible Garden on a Hot, Dry Site

Difficult garden spots don’t need to deter you from planting trees, herbs and other delicious food plants

MORE ROOMS Kids' Rooms: I'm A Big Boy Now

By Erika Ward - Erika Ward Interiors

Ideas for Transitioning Your Son From the Nursery

FARM YOUR YARD 6 Things to Know Before You Start Growing Your Own Food

By Abundant City

It takes time and practice, but growing edibles in the suburbs or city is possible with smart prep and patience

GARDENING GUIDES 8 Plants That Snobs Love to Hate — and You'll Love to Grow

Don't dismiss these common annuals, perennials and shrubs — there are reasons they've been popular for so long

GARDENING AND LANDSCAPING Grow a Lush Privacy Screen

By Christine Tusher

No need to wait forever for patio privacy the green way. These 10 ideas will get your screening up and running in no time

Sponsored

More Discussions

Palm tree name?

3

Please help my palm ignorance!

4

Pot size for Palm

5

Can I put these in a worm bin?

1

Drooping frawns

10