Don’t you just hate it when your orchids shrivel and die from mysterious causes, or when your line of potted plants looks like death row for daisies, or when your favorite water lilies lie submerged under toxic algae scum?
"Growing Smarter" is the theme of Foster Botanical Garden’s May 16 Plant Sale. In addition to having a wonderful assortment of plants, there will be several different ways you can raise your plant IQ.
As in past years, there will be a "plant doctor" booth, where home gardeners can ask experts for help. The Oahu Nursery Growers Association will be selling plants and offering their expertise on how best to grow them. The Oahu Invasive Species Committee will be providing information on the early detection of insect pests. And docents will guide tours of the garden.
Some excellent horticulture classes will be offered this year. Each class will accommodate only 25 students, so sign up early at the Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens information booth. Class notes will be available at the booth for those who arrive too late to sign up. Classes are 45 minutes:
» General Orchid Culture (10 a.m., taught by Scot Mitamura, Honolulu Botanical Gardens orchid horticulturist): Grow orchids successfully and address challenges with simple solutions.
» Container Garden for Edible Plants (11 a.m., master gardener Robert Seronio of the Urban Garden Center): It’s possible to get trees to bear fruit in pots by using the right containers, potting soil and maintenance techniques (such as fertilizing, watering and repotting), even on apartment lanai.
» Water Plants for Beginners (noon, Brian Pane, owner of Happy Koi Nursery and Oahu Nursery Growers Association president): This class will cover both how to start a water garden and how to keep it lovely through proper maintenance.
Heidi Leianuenue Bornhorst is a sustainable landscape consultant specializing in native, xeric and edible gardens. Reach her at heidibornhorst@gmail.com.
