Sandwiched between the H-1 freeway and the rail line in Pearl City, hidden behind Home Depot, lies a 30-acre oasis of gardens and orchards. The Urban Garden Center, a University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources (CTAHR) facility, was founded with the mission of educating the public about a diversity of topics in gardening, agriculture and the environment.
During the week, the garden is abuzz with visitors, volunteers and staff. Visitors can find peace strolling through themed gardens and investigating the many ornamental and edible plants. Children enjoy exploring the gardens to find plants with animal names, crawling through tunnels and navigating the hedge maze. The garden hosts school tours, with volunteer docents leading children in fun activities. College students come to learn about soils and other agricultural topics.
Volunteers find fulfillment in caring for the garden, helping with outreach events and continuing to learn through their work. They are called the Urban Garden Center ohana and are experts in tropical fruits, vegetables, herbs and ornamental plants. The university owes them much appreciation for their service.
The University of Hawaii master gardeners make use of the facility to educate the public about gardening, plants and environment. These volunteers are trained to help home gardeners with their problems. Gardeners with questions may call, email or visit UH master gardeners in person at the facility on Wednesdays, 9 a.m. to noon, to receive a research-based solution.
Master gardeners also teach the public through our Second Saturdays at the Garden series, which runs from February through October. This open house runs from 8:30 to 11:30 a.m., and features gardening workshops, educational displays, occasional plant sales and a chance to bring your plant samples and talk to master gardeners. This is a great opportunity to visit the garden on a weekend day.
Gardening expo
Visit the garden center on May 11 for the inaugural Backyard Gardening Expo, where you can meet our partners at the Malama Learning Center, the state Department of Agriculture, the Oahu Invasive Species Committee and the Kokua Hawai‘i Foundation. Learn techniques such as hot composting, vermicomposting and making homemade, earth-friendly remedies for common garden pest problems. Come for the latest information on invasive pests such as the coconut rhinoceros beetle, little fire ant, naio thrips and rapid ohia death. These invasive species and fungal disease are threatening our island, gardens and lifestyles.
Master gardeners and University of Hawaii “plant doctors” will be ready to answer plant-related questions. You can bring photos as well as samples from your garden in a container or sealed bag.
Keiki can enjoy seed-planting activities, coconut-based food and drink samples, prizes and running through the gardens. Check out tinyurl.com/y5y8nlz5 for more information on the expo and workshop times.
Pollinator awareness
On June 8, the Pollinator Awareness event will feature educational activities, honey tasting, mamaki tea tasting, building a bee house and a plant sale featuring plants friendly to beneficial bugs. Keiki can immerse themselves in butterflies the Butterfly Encounter Tent, hosted by Sharing the Butterfly Experience.
For more information about the garden center and events, visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/ougc. Visit www.ctahr.hawaii.edu/UHMG for more on the master gardener program and contact information.
Kalani Matsumura is a junior extension agent with the University of Hawaii’s College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources and coordinates the UH Master Gardener Program on Oahu.
