In The Garden
Friday, June 1, 2001
ELEANORE BURSON PHOTO
"Garden of Eden" heliconia is from the western Amazon.
Heliconia orthotricha from Western Amazon have colors that flash like neon lights in the garden. The yellow-red-green colors of the flower bracts are so bright that they almost hurt your eyes. Arboretum’s
heliconia in full bloomThe Rose of Siam, by comparison, isn't nearly as colorful, but this ginger plant is just as rare. Instead of the usual cone-shape flowers, this Thai plant distinguishes itself with rosy red flower bracts shaped like a chalice.
These extraordinary plants as well as other heliconias and gingers at Lyon Arboretum are going into their peak blossoming season now, and the Manoa research facility is inviting the public to come up for a closer look. The arboretum is devoting a week for the public to view heliconias and gingers through Wednesday. Bring your cameras for snapshots.
Visitors are welcome to sign in at the office and walk the grounds from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. except Sunday when the arboretum is closed. Admission is free but donations are welcome. Call 988-0464 or 988-0456 for more information.
In addition to the flowering plants scattered through the grounds, a number of flower arrangements featuring heliconias and gingers will be on display also. Several dozen flower arrangers from the Sogetsu and Ohara schools of ikebana and the Garden Club of Honolulu will create traditional and contemporary designs.
The arboretum's summer education programs include classes on identification of gingers, heliconias and their relatives, cultivation and landscaping with these plants as well as cooking lessons with gingers as ingredients.
Gardening Calendar
Suzanne Tswei's gardening column runs Saturdays in Today.
You can write her at the Star-Bulletin,
500 Ala Moana, Suite 7-210, Honolulu, HI, 96813
or email stswei@starbulletin.com
