The Halawa
Xeriscape Garden displays a group of plants collectively called as Xeric
or dry in a residential scale setting. It was opened in September 1989, after
several years of effort by the Board of Water Supply (BWS), to educate Oahu
residents on ways to conserve water and still have a beautiful garden and landscaped
areas.
The term
Xeriscaping was coined in the American Southwest and describes a creative and
new way of saving water by planning your garden accordingly.
This unique
demonstration garden is situated in Aiea, on the island of Oahu. People can
familiarize themselves with kinds of plants that require less water and
irrigation techniques, landscaping ideas
to make more efficient use of water.
The term
Xeriscaping is based on seven fundamental principles that can guide you to
plant and maintain a xeriscape garden.
Seven
Principles of Xeriscaping
1. Planning
and Design
Plan
and design landscapes for water conservation
Work with existing surroundings and utilize plants that are appropriate
for the area.
2. Limit Turf Areas
Minimize
unnecessary turf areas which require more water and maintenance.
In the areas where turf is utilized, use the appropriate grass for the
area.
3. Soil
Improvements
Improve
the quality of your soil by adding organic matter such as compost or manures.
Soil amendments improve water absorption and the water-holding capacity
of the soil.
4. Mulching
Mulches
protect the soil from direct sunlight which can dry out the soil.
They minimize evaporation, inhibit weed growth and slow erosion.
Some mulches such as wood chips break down over time and add organic
matter which enriches the top soil.
5. Efficient
Irrigation
Plants
should be watered early in the morning or in the evening to prevent moisture
loss due to evaporation.
Drip irrigation is one example of an efficient irrigation system.
6.
Appropriate Maintenance
Keep
your plants healthy by practicing routine basic maintenance, such as proper
pruning and regular pest control.
Pests are attracted to weak or dying plants.
7.
Appropriate Plant Selection
Select
plants that are suited for the area to minimize water use and maintenance efforts.
Group plants that have similar water requirements
In general, native plants require less water and maintenance.
Among the
water-efficient irrigation systems demonstrated in the Halawa Xeriscape Garden
are automatic timers, moisture sensors, rain shutdown devices, and low output
irrigation equipment such as spray sprinkler heads, micro-spray sprinkler
heads, emitters and dripper lines.
It also
includes zoning the landscapes making the best use of natural climate conditions,
creating microclimate zones and dividing the garden into water zones.
There is a
wide range of unthirsty plants and hence the garden in divided into different
sections to display the entire range.
The Hawaiian Garden showcases native Hawaiian plants that are adapted to
hot and dry climate and includes attractive and readily grown species that
requires far less water than the native exotics. Some of the native Hawaiian drought
resistant plants are Āwikiwiki, Hinahina, Pohinahina, Uki ‘Uki , ‘A‘ali‘I, ‘Ilima, Naio, Koa and
Lama.
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| Hinahina--Heliotropium anomalum |
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| ‘A‘ali‘i--Dodonaea viscosa |
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| Kokio ke‘oke‘o--Hibiscus arnottianus |
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| ‘Ilima--Sida fallax |
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| Ōhi‘a --Metrosideros spp |
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| Koa tree |
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| Naio--Myoporum sandwicense |
The
International Garden boasts
a collection of plants from the world's dry tropics. It includes newly-introduced
experimental species whose reaction to varying levels of drought will be
evaluated over the next several years. The introduction and evaluation program
is an important aspect of the xeriscape project.
 |
| The Indian Curry leaves tree |
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| The Cotton tree |
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| Aakada or Calotropis gigantea |
The
Bromeliad Garden features
a collection of "less thirsty" pineapple relatives from the tropics
of the New World. This garden presents a kaleidoscopic palette of species of
widely varying forms and sized for both sun and shade in the Xeriscape.
The Tree
Garden is a
collection of drought-tolerant tree species, including several experimental
species from all over the globe.
The garden is
located at 99-1268 Iwaena Street, Aiea HI 96701. Admission is
free and is open to the public on Wednesdays and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3
p.m. Self-guided tours can be taken at any time while guided tours are offered
by appointments.
The garden
also holds lot of workshops throughout the year. The workshops
includes instruction on how to xeriscape, efficient irrigation, propagating
native plants that save water, soil improvement/mulching, lei-making with
xeriscape plants, and wreath-making with xeriscape plants, among others. You
can call on (808) 748-5041 to get more
information.
Driving directions to Hlawa Xeriscape Garden
The garden
also holds regular events like Garden Open House and Unthirsty Plant Sale. Less-thirsty plants for sale included the Hoya, Talinum,
Resnova, Stephanotis and many other drought-tolerant succulents. Keikiscapes
are snapshots of activities done by Hawaiian keiki on open house day.
Free
Xeriscape Seeds
Every first
Wednesday of the month, Halawa Xeriscape Garden offers free xeriscape seeds.
The packets can be picked up on Wednesdays or Saturdays from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m
The Friends
of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) is a non-profit community organization
dedicated to educational programs that promote water conservation on the
landscape. Established in 1989, the Friends have continued to provide support
through volunteers and educational activities for the Garden's landscape water
conservation program.
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| The Cacti |
 |
| Unthirsty trees |
. The unique company was started by Debora & Jerry Driscoll some
20 plus years back when they started making soaps from their home in Pupukea
and eventually moved into the old sugar mill building in 2004 as the business boomed
and the products acclaimed international and national fame. 
. The unique company was started by Debora & Jerry Driscoll some
20 plus years back when they started making soaps from their home in Pupukea
and eventually moved into the old sugar mill building in 2004 as the business boomed
and the products acclaimed international and national fame. 
