 Ka`u
Main Street (a local 501c3) bought from the Roman
Catholic Church, a beautiful historical Church site
on Kamaoa Road. On this plot a garden of native Hawaiian
Plants, “canoe plants”, medicinal and edible
plants that were brought over by the Polynesian voyagers.
It is a work in progress.
Every
second and fourth Tuesday from 8-10 am volunteers
come and learn, plant, weed, water, and propagate.
After 10 everyone heads out to Hana Hou for a free
breakfast and “talk story”. Every second
Saturday docents are available for tours from 10-12
(weather permitting). For special tours or class information
call 929-7236 or 929-8210. Once a month we take a field
trip to one of the other Gardens or Nurseries on the
island. We are trying to establish partnerships for
our “Seed and Plant Exchange” that takes
place every Spring and Fall. Please come and join us.
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With
a hearty crew of volunteers, we planted
a new garden of native Hawaiian plants on the site.
The church was built in 1864 by Catholic missionaries
from France and
Belgium,
a group that included Father Damien. Damien
was assigned to the Big island for several years
before
being
transferred to Molokai.
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Youth group planting
hala |
 Planted
section with canoe plants |
The
church was badly damaged by the earthquake of 1868
and never used again. The site has been cleared
by NMS over the last three years. Carol Massey
and Diane Nelson have planted a comprehensive collection
of "canoe plants" brought in by Polynesian
voyagers. We also have several endangered species
including some extinct in the wild.
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Cutting
the cake celebrating the garden blessing and opening
ceremony |
Other
sections of the garden feature lei plants, medicinal
plants, food plants and a mostly alahee grove.
The garden
is a work in progress and we welcome volunteers
to plant other areas of the garden. Tours are
given on the second Saturday of each month from
10am - 2 pm.
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Display
describing the canoe plant collection |
Many organizations
including the National Park have offered to help
us obtain plants of endangered species. And we are
always looking for people to come and help with planting
and clearing.
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Fr. George De
Costa gives his blessing
Our
Blessing by Father George de Costa and Grand Opening
was well attended and will become an annual event.
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