09-10-2004, 05:26 PM
My wife and I bought our place in Hawaiian Shores Rec (that means we get to use the pool and parks) in 2002. While getting it furnished, I noticed that my yard was full of palm and coconut trees, but not much else.
So one day, while at the Hilo Farmer's market, I picked up a 4 foot tall Apple Banana tree for $8. I brought it home and proudly showed it to my neighbors. My first real Hawaiian fruit tree! They yelled at me. "If you wanted a banana tree, why didn't you just tell us? We would have given you one of ours.. these things grow like weeds!"
A couple days later, I was talking with some neighbors about all the lovely plumeria trees that were around and how I would like to have some in my yard. I mentioned that I would probably go buy some small ones and plant them. That's when I was informed that I should carry a plastic bag around with me wherever I go. If I see a plumeria tree growing on public land and like the color, I should just break off the tip of a branch, put it in the bag, and bring it home. Also, the next morning, I was awakened by one of my neighbors who had been doing yardwork in her yard (at 6am). She was calling my name from the street. When I looked outside, there was this sweet woman dragging a huge branch from the pink plumeria tree in her yard that she was pruning.
Funny thing about Hawaii -- you stick a plant in the ground and the darn thing grows! I now have a nice small plumeria tree growing in my back yard. Some day soon, it'll give me the prettiest pink flowers!
Living in Puna reminds me of living in Southern California back in the early 1960s. Everyone is so friendly. They share everything they have, they loan you their tools, and help you without your having to ask. Pahoa is a true and refreshing "neighborhood".
Aloha,
Ron (Happy_Haole)
So one day, while at the Hilo Farmer's market, I picked up a 4 foot tall Apple Banana tree for $8. I brought it home and proudly showed it to my neighbors. My first real Hawaiian fruit tree! They yelled at me. "If you wanted a banana tree, why didn't you just tell us? We would have given you one of ours.. these things grow like weeds!"
A couple days later, I was talking with some neighbors about all the lovely plumeria trees that were around and how I would like to have some in my yard. I mentioned that I would probably go buy some small ones and plant them. That's when I was informed that I should carry a plastic bag around with me wherever I go. If I see a plumeria tree growing on public land and like the color, I should just break off the tip of a branch, put it in the bag, and bring it home. Also, the next morning, I was awakened by one of my neighbors who had been doing yardwork in her yard (at 6am). She was calling my name from the street. When I looked outside, there was this sweet woman dragging a huge branch from the pink plumeria tree in her yard that she was pruning.
Funny thing about Hawaii -- you stick a plant in the ground and the darn thing grows! I now have a nice small plumeria tree growing in my back yard. Some day soon, it'll give me the prettiest pink flowers!
Living in Puna reminds me of living in Southern California back in the early 1960s. Everyone is so friendly. They share everything they have, they loan you their tools, and help you without your having to ask. Pahoa is a true and refreshing "neighborhood".
Aloha,
Ron (Happy_Haole)
Aloha,
Ron (Happy_Haole)
Ron (Happy_Haole)