Garden Contest Could ‘Green Up’ Wahiawa
Wahiawa Town Garden Revival invites gardeners to landscape their yards in one of five styles that “green-up” the town, capture its character and revive the spirit of gardening in a unique competition.
Deadline to apply is Sept. 30, with application forms available at the library or at Wahiawa Botanical Garden. Only amateurs may apply. Churches also may enter.
“It’s our long-term project to try to beautify Wahiawa,” explained Grace Dixon, member of Wahiawa Historical Society, which is sponsoring the competition, “and it’s a very important issue – to protect the land from asphalt and trucks, to make our town greener.” The contest may showcase the front, side or backyard garden, and it’s open exclusively to Wahiawa homeowners and permitted tenants. Call Libby Smithe at 621-7097 or Martha Peterson at 284-4950.
To share more about the contest, WHS plans a briefing from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. Aug. 4 at Wahiawa Botanical Garden with columnist and horticulture specialist Heidi Bornhorst on “designing your special garden.” The event includes free continental breakfast. To RSVP, call 621-0043.
A $1,000 grand prize will be awarded along with $100 for the best entry in each category:
* Leilehua – native plants and/or lei flowers reflecting the spirit of Hawaii and joy of gardening in this area.
* Epiphytes – anthuriums, bromeliads, orchids and other air plants with diverse colors, forms and textures to create a tropical experience
* Edible – dedicated to vegetables, herbs, fruiting vines and trees in artistic design to show charm and a healthy lifestyle
* Country style – suited to modest plantation-style residences; using dense planting, lots of color, little or no lawn, sentimental, casual, lavish
* Creative – innovative or ethnic, reflecting our diverse population or new trends
