TREE PLANTING CEREMONY

William S. Merwin, Poet Laureate of the United States from 2010 to 2011, honored the gardens during a tree planting ceremony on Wednesday, November 2, in Foster Garden. The informal gathering of thirty prominent garden oriented invitees was welcomed by Honolulu Botanical Gardens Director Winnie Singeo.

Paul Weissich and W.S. Merwin

Several special attendees were recognized and former Director Paul Weissich called upon to introduce our guest. Weissich and Merwin are long-time friends. William spoke briefly of the need for greater conservation of native Hawaiian species and habitat and then attended to the planting of a very rare, endemic loulu palm, Pritchardia Schattaueri.  It is the tallest of all the loulu. Only twelve plants are known in the wild in south Kona. Perhaps it is the loulu laureate of the Plant Kingdom.

Director Singeo then invited everyone to enjoy the delicious refreshments provided by Karen and Leland Miyano. In the meanwhile a heavy shower had passed overhead. Although all the attendees and our special guest had become quite wet it did nothing to dampen the pleasure of the occasion. William S. Merwin, Poet Laureate, was whisked off to the parking lot by a staff operated, roofed Cushman.  The smile on his face seemed to reflect great pleasure. It stopped raining and a brilliant sun came out. It was a fine occasion.

Plant Sale - Foster Gardens - Sat. October 15, 2011

Free admission Saturday 9am - 2pm
180 Vineyard Blvd. , Honolulu Call 537-1708 for more information.
Sponsored by the Friends of Honolulu Botanical Gardens and
the City and County of Honolulu

Large selection of rare and unusual plants

CLICK HERE TO SEE INFORMATION ABOUT ARCHIVED EVENTS