Support The Aloha Garden of Maui & Get A Great Deal!

The Aloha Garden of Maui is a sustainable botanical garden and ag tourism operation that is being developed Maui, Hawaii.  When complete, it will house a botanical garden, a boutique farm, country store, garden and nursery center, outdoor classroom, and sustainable models throughout the project.  It is being created on 9.6 acres in Kula, Maui, for residents, visitors, and you to enjoy.

You can help us build and grow the garden and show your support by purchasing this Maui garden logo wear.  And, we are now having a summer sale.

Stock up on summer logo apparel from alohagarden.qbstores.com! Any order placed
with coupon code "25Store" will save an amazing 25% until June 14, 2013. Or,click below to start saving now.
http://alohagarden.qbstores.com/OC/25Store

Quaint Wheel Barrow Flower Pot Display

This wooden wheel barrow plant display adds an element of old world charm to your garden. It creates a wonderful focal point in a garden in and of itself and can also be combined with other rustic or country pieces for nostalgic look or western or country feel.

This wheel barrow is a charming garden accent.

Enchanting Fairy Solar Fountain Saves Energy

The adorable and inexpensive fairy design garden fountain (under $200) brings garden fantasy and fairy tales of days gone by to mind and inspires magical moments and story telling in children. Enjoyed by young and old, it is a delightful garden addition. It offers peace, serenity and soothing sounds, with the added benefit of knowing that you are saving energy because this fountain is solar powered, making it easy on ear, the environment, and your pocketbook.

Tuck in a Garden Lizard for a Fun Surprise

I love walking through a garden a discovering something unexpected. It's like finding a hidden treasure and I enjoy the element of surprise.  One of the best parts about gardens for me is that there always seems to be perfect little spaces to put things in - under plants, beside or in a tree, in rock wall crevices, around a corner, popping out of a plant - the possibilities are endless. Here this colorful and whimsical lizard peeks from underneath a plant to find you.

Garden lizard crawls out to say "Hi."

Cute Wire Plant Stand Is Great Indoors and Out In The Garden

This adorable wire plant stand holds two planters, takes up little room, makes an area more cheery by incorporating plants and color, and lets the plants shine. It's perfect for your home or garden and the design works with many different decors.  Plants and/or pot colors can be periodically swapped out to stay current with changing seasons.  

Elegant wire plant stand to feature your plants.

In Honor of Memorial Day

Today is a day to remember and honor those who gave their lives while serving our county and upholding the ideals and freedoms we have and cherish, as well as to honor those who are still missing during their service and to pray that they are found and come home.  

It is a day to be with family and friends, to kick off the start of summer, and to be proud of our great nation, ever vigilant that we will not take our freedom for granted, will stand up to protect it, and will never forget those who gave their life for it.

May you spend time with those you love and enjoy all that hold dear today. Blessings and best wishes to you and yours this Memorial Day.

Colorful Boxes Make Your Garden Wall Pop

Create a colorful garden wall display this summer by painting wooden boxes in different colors to showcase your plants, bird houses, small garden statues, other garden accents, tools and more.  This bright arrangement draws your attention to the many items placed on the shelves and gives each its own space and special attention.  It is also a great way to organize and house cherished items.

From plain while to garden inspired and bright.

Celebrate Memorial Day with a Garden BBQ & Grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa

Monday is Memorial Day, a day associated with the beginning of summer.  As a result, outdoor cooking on Memorial Day is a long-stand tradition for many families. It is a time for reunions and to honor those who died while serving our country in military service.  So, plan a garden BBQ to spend time with your family and friends on Monday.  It is a great way to entertain and celebrate our heroes.

Coming from Hawaii, where it warm year round, I’d like to recommend some grilled Mahi Mahi with Pineapple Salsa .  It is a healthy, bright and festive dish, perfect for a summer barbecue.  Just in case you are interested, here is a recipe.  Enjoy!

Grilled Mahi Mahi

• Mahi Mahi Steaks
• Cooking oil or spray
• Mr. Yoshida’s Sauce or Seasoning to Taste

Apply cooking oil or spray to your grill before grilling the Mahi Mahi to prevent it from sticking.  Heat the grill to medium high.  Add a little marinade like Mr. Yoshida’s sauce or seasoning. Grill Mahi Mahi for 6-8 minutes on each side, watching it carefully to prevent it from burning.  Turn the steaks over when it they turn white, adding more marinade or seasoning.  They are done when they are cooked through and can be flaked with a fork in the middle.  Serve with Pineapple Salsa.

Pineapple Salsa

• 2 cups diced fresh pineapple
• 2 medium tomatoes, seeded and chopped
•  ½ cup chopped Maui onion or other sweet onion
•  ¼ cup chopped bell pepper
• ¼ cup minced fresh cilantro
• 1 jalapeno pepper, stemmed, seeded and chopped
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon ground coriander
•  ¾ teaspoon ground cumin
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ teaspoon minced garlic

In a medium bowl, combine all ingredients and stir well.  Chill or serve at room temperature.

Use White Lanterns To Light Your Garden This Summer

Summer nears and it's time to brighten things up by day and night with striking white lanterns.  Lanterns are decorative and functional and therefore widely used in gardens, landscapes, entryways, and homes. They can be placed along a path to light the pathway or direct guests to an entry. Hung from tress, they light the area below, as well as provide uplighting for the tree for a sensational effect. They adorn tables during the day, while providing light for conversation or reading at night.  Lanterns are ideal decorations and lighting for outdoor or garden parties and weddings.  Place them throughout the garden and/or hang them from a gazebo, pergola, or tent to WOW your guests.  Bright white lanterns are perfect for summer, but can be used year-round. They easily fit in any decor with coordinating color placed nearby or around their base.  In addition, they are a fantastic decorative accent indoors and make wonderful table centerpieces. They are one of those "must have" garden accents given their many different uses. And, if you are ever not using them, I'm sure your friends or family would love to borrow them because they are always a hit!

Large White Metal Garden Lantern.

Landscape Ideas - A Winning Combination

This landscaped planter incorporates a number of design techniques to arrive at a winning combination that is representative of the area. Whether it is your personal style or not, it is great to see how various elements were blended together for a wonderful and dramatic effect. The design includes use of drought tolerant native plants, natural materials (mulch and rock which give a natural feel, while also reducing the number of plants needed and watering), pops of color to brighten the landscape, and a significant piece of garden art. The end result is stunning.

Planter in Coeur d'Alene, Idaho 

Birdbaths Are Great Amusement And Garden Accents

Summer is coming and the birds are going to need a place to cool off too as the weather heats up.  Incorporate a birdbath, like this beautiful antique iron birdbath, for a great garden accent and endless amusement. Watching birds frolicking in the water is both relaxing and enjoyable. Once the birds know it is there, they will come back time and again and by keeping the birdbath cleaned and filled both you and the birds will have hours of fun all summer long. However, since standing water can attract mosquitoes, place it in a spot in your garden where that won’t be a problem and refresh it every couple of days.

Make Your Garden Stand Out with Art

Big, bold art adds interest and intrigue to your garden.  It can be abstract and thought provoking or themed to match the style of a particular garden, such as Asian (as seen in the picture of the horse statue below).  In this example, the horse statue alone has an Asian feel for those familiar with the style, but it could merely reflect that the owner likes this particular piece or horses. Combined with the Japanese lantern, however, it is clear that it is part of an Asian garden.  What is your garden style? Would a large statue or piece of art make your garden more impressive?

Art, it does a garden good!

Honor Service & Show Your Pride with a Garden Flag This Memorial Day

In the United States, we celebrate Memorial Day to honor and remember the men and women who died while serving our county in the Armed Forces.  It began after our Civil War to respect both Union and Confederate soldiers and was later expanded to pay tribute to all Americans who died during their military service.  It is officially celebrated on the last Monday in May.

At many locations across our great nation, the United States flag is swiftly raised to the top of the staff and then solemnly lowered to the half-staff position in reverence for our soldiers until noon.  It is then raised to the full-staff position again for the remainder of the day to signify our resolve that we will not let their sacrifice be in vein and will continue to stand up and fight for liberty and justice for all.

We also proudly display the American flag at our homes, placing it in our yards and gardens, as well as at grave sites, to our honor these men and women for their service to our country and in support of the United States of America.  

So, pull out or purchase an American flag this week in preparation for Memorial Day next Monday, May 27, 2013.

American Flag Garden Flags with Different Holders.

Help Create A Beautiful Botanical Garden on Maui With A Brick Purchase

This Garden Grows with You!  Bricks are now available for The Aloha Garden of Maui.  A botanical garden and sustainable ag tourism business being created on approximately 10 acres in Kula, Maui, Hawaii. When complete, this botanical garden paradise will be a place where children and adults can bask in nature, laugh and play, celebrate special occasions, let their imagination soar, sooth their soul, learn about gardening and sustainable living, and find unlimited fun.

It is founded on the "Spirit of Aloha" and "Ohana" (family), where all are invited to help bring this magical garden to life and own a piece of it with a brick purchase.

Custom engraved bricks are available, beginning at $100, and are being sold in Phase I of the development for placement in the Founder's Court.  Your inscribed brick can celebrate a joyful occasion, honor a loved one, recognize military service, leave a family legacy, or express your family's or company's support of the garden and sustainable living.  You will also help support the garden and have a spot on Maui that is yours, where you can visit your brick again and again.  Special Hawaiian graphics are offered, along with your custom artwork, with an inscribed message.  They make great gifts and are ideal for Mom, births, birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, retirement, and to commemorate a special Maui visit.

To learn more, please visit www.thealohagarden.com.  Or, to order your brick today, click on the link below the picture to go to the brick ordering page.  Mahalo (thank you).

Sample of engraved brick with The Aloha Garden of Maui logo.

A Fountain Can Turn An Unusual Space From Plain to Magnifiscent

This delightful European, angel topped, fountain helped fill an unusual corner off a deck, creating an alluring and soulful element in the garden that adds energy and life to the surrounding landscape.  It can be viewed and enjoyed at a distance from a garden path and can be heard from the deck, where the trickling water sounds help to sooth and relax people as the sit on the deck and enjoy the tropical landscape.

Angel Fountain Adds Interest & Appeal

Have A Garden Picnic to Kick-Off Summer

Summer nears and the weather is becoming more and more perfect for spending time outdoors. Take advantage of this a have a spur of the moment garden picnic. Dust off the garden furniture and throw a bright cloth on a table or throw the cloth or a blanket on the lawn and eat outside. Whether you have a whole meal or just dessert, eating outdoors is one of those simple pleasures that makes life so enjoyable.  It is quick, easy, and so much fun.

A garden picnic - pure fun!

Wishing Wells Are Wonderful Garden Accents

Wishing wells are where dreams often start. Like a fairy-tale, they draw you in with their beauty and promise of hope, taking you back to childhood thoughts and desires. This enchanting rustic wishing well planter evokes country charm, but is designed to work with many different garden styles.  You can't help but take a moment to reflect, close your eyes, and make a wish. Here, it may well (pun intended) come true.

Wishing wells are magical!

Bring Nature Into Your Garden with a Stream

Add life and magic to your garden by adding a stream.  A stream in the garden creates a natural setting, with soothing sounds as water runs through it.  Your stream can be connected to a pond or waterfall, or created in and of itself like the picture below.  It can look more natural or more man-made to reflect your individual style.  And, with plants and lighting it can be as dramatic as you wish.  To learn more, visit your local garden center or contact a landscaper like Island Landscape to assist you with a garden stream design.  

Gently curving stream has a natural look and feel.

1, 2, 3, 4 Easy Steps for Great Garden Decor

Create a large garden focal point in four easy steps.  Step one, purchase a big, beautiful ceramic pot in a color and design that fits your garden. Step 2, obtain numerous stocks of bamboo, taller than the pot, in widths of an inch to two inches wide, to fill about half of the pot opening when bunched together. Step 3, purchase gravel or rock to fill pot the bottom third of the pot and add weight after the bamboo is put in.  Step 4, assemble in the same order.  Put it all together and what have you got? One simple, but exquisitely decorated pot.

Elegant & Simple Pot Design

Create A Fantasy Garden with Gnomes

The history of gnomes began in 19th-century Germany where they were known as Gartenzwerg (garden dwarf). According to Wikipedia, the term "gnome" in English is first attested to in the 1930s and has clearly taken hold.  Basically, gnomes are small, human like figurines wearing a pointy hat.  

Early stories of Eastern and Western European folk tale talk of both benevolent and malevolent characters, however, many stories exist that depict gnomes as helpful, caring creatures that look after gardens. They are often considered "protectors" of the garden. 

Today, these enchanting little helpers are still a popular and sophisticated garden addition.  There are many manufactures and different styles to choose from. These are a few of the adorable gnomes we carry.

Garden Gnomes Tending to the Garden -Well, Some Are.

Take Mom to a Beautiful Garden on Mother's Day

Happy Mother's Day.  Surround Mom with beauty and inspiration this Mother's Day by visiting a botanic or community garden. It is a wonderful way to spend several hours and have time to talk and catch up. Furthermore, it relaxing. There is nothing like it.  You will also be able to take gorgeous pictures and are likely walk away with a new idea to beautify your home.  Combine the garden visit with a fabulous meal and you are sure to have a spectacular and memorable day.

Renaissance Garden at the Manito Gardens in Spokane, WA

Cute Container Planter Adds Charm

The cute planter combines half of a whisky barrel, flowers, and a cone shaped spruce to create this welcoming garden accent.  Here it lines a walkway, however, it can be used in many different locations for a bit of country charm.  Barrels such as these can be found at many local hardware stores with garden centers.    While it only takes a little effort to plant them up, the results are tremendous.

Container Planter from Sisters, Oregon

Feed the Birds for Hours of Fun

You give a little and you get a lot in return with a bird feeder.  Hang this good-looking vine gazebo bird feeder in the garden, fill it with bird seed, sit back and enjoy all of the fun. Or, if you're like me, sit way back, with camera in hand on high zoom, and take great photographic shots of our feathered friends.  A little investment in bird seed goes a long way, giving you both economical and relaxing outdoor entertainment.

Great Entryways Wow Guests On The Way In

It is all about a first impression and a grand entrance makes a statement.  A great entryway and garden will also welcome you home and Wow! your guests when entering your property.  Here we show how lining your drive with Foxtail palm trees, along with Plumeria trees and other tropical plants produces a dramatic tropical entryway.  It is accented by decorative masonry for style and function. Imagine driving to this home for the first time.

This Entryway Is Set To Impress

Mosaic Fountain Added to Garden Planter Enhances View Inside & Out

This affordable mosaic fountain in pineapple design would be a wonderful addition for many gardens.  Below we showcase how this fountain is used to enhance interior and exterior views.  Looking out from the inside, the fountain, improves the view from the window by giving owners and guests a decorative feature to look at and enjoy.  Outside, the fountain fills a gap in the side planter, adds a pleasing water element, offers soothing sounds to help people relax, and provides a place for birds to get a cool drink and play.

Fountains Are Great Additions For Your Home

Need an Impressive Garden Accent? Go Fish!

One of things I love most about garden decorating is that you are already working with a vibrant, living canvas - the garden.  Given this, sometimes all that is needed is a well-placed attractive element to draw one's eye.  This is illustrated in the picture below that simply incorporates a spectacular fish.   Not your style? No problem, "Go fish!" and pick an accent that's right for you.

This Is One Attention Grabbing Fish

Stepping Stones with a Message

Decorative stepping stones with a message personalize your garden, adding inspiration, meaning and giving insight into the owner's life.  They can bring joy, honor a loved one or cherished pet, celebrate a special occasion, and more. They deliver special sentiments that connect those who read them with the owner in a heartfelt moment and make wonderful gifts.

A Simple Message Creates A Memorable Space

Great Garden Gift for Mom with a Purpose Just In Time for Mother's Day

Does Mom love beautiful gardens, gardening, or Maui? If so, then we have the perfect gift with a purpose to give your Mom this Mother's Day.

We have fantastic outdoor wear and accessories, including: T-shirts, golf shirts, hats, jackets, totes, bathrobes and more, all printed or embroidered with The Aloha Garden of Maui's logo.

Every purchase helps build The Aloha Garden of Maui, a new botanical garden and sustainable ag tourism business in Kula, Maui, Hawaii, while giving Mom comfortable and fashionable outdoor wear and accessories.  Plus, Mom gets the benefit of knowing her gift helped create a beautiful garden and leave a Maui legacy.

Many affordable gifts are available, with screened t-shirts starting at $13 ea. and all items under $100.

Mother's Day is just a week away.  Please visit our store at alohagarden.qbstores.com today.

The Aloha Garden of Maui Logo Wear Makes A Great Gift For Mom

Grow Roses in Your Garden and Reap the Rewards

Growing up, my grandmother loved her roses.  I remember her pruning and fawning over them, caring for them like children, as if each one was an individual.  As a young child, I didn't get it.  Sure, I always thought they were lovely, but didn't see how unique they truly are and hated cutting them as I always seemed to get pricked.

Over the years I have received spectacular rose bouquets for birthdays and special occasions and adored them all.  Some were very fragrant, others not so much, but each was a memorable gift.  However, it was not until I started growing roses, that I gained a true appreciation for them and finally understood the saying "Stop and smell the roses."

I really didn't know that they all smell different, very different.  This exploration alone has been amazing, but it is the tip of the iceberg (okay, I know some of you are now thinking about Iceberg roses).  The color varieties, the way they bloom, the number of petals, their different uses in gardens and landscapes, and the subtleties of their different fragrances is astounding.  Now, with over 50 rose varieties and growing, I get it.  I see their individuality and love every nuance, even the fact that some bite more than others.  

Sometimes I'll walk by and their thorns will catch my clothing as if to say "Don't be so cavalier and dismiss us.  We're here to be admired."  They certainly are. It’s a gentle reminder that stops me in my tracks and gives me a moment of pure enjoyment. 

Make time to smell and celebrate the roses; it is one of the great things about garden living.

Roses In Bloom Just Makes My Day!

Use a Container Planter to Make Your Column or Wall Outstanding

Container planters are great for many things, including decorating columns and walls.  They instantly change the look, adding color, charm and sophistication. Bowls, like the one shown, are extremely popular, as are square and wok styles.  They come in a variety of materials (such as ceramic, cement, fiberglass, plastic, rock and stone), colors, sizes, and prices.  Select a complimentary style and enjoy the results.  You can see the difference a container planter makes in the picture below.

This container planter transforms this apace.

Garden Design: Side Yard Ideas - Part 3 of a 3 Part Story

Here we are, the final post, Post 3/3 of this side yard design series.  In Post 1 we looked at two sample side yard design roughs. In Post 2 we compared them with the home's style.  Now, here in Post 3 we look at the side yard design with the home's style and the overall landscape design.  The picture below shows the landscape design that the client selected for their front yard.  Given this and the style of their home, they preferred Design 2 for the side yard.  While a Pagoda-style gazebo had initially been envisioned, they recognized that it clashed a bit with the home's style and that the Pergola design and plantings worked well with the rest of their planned landscape.

Preferred Side Yard Based on Home Style & Overall Landscape Design

Garden Design: Side Yard Ideas - Part 2 of a 3 Part Story

This is Post 2/3 of side yard design considerations.  In Post 1/3 the the client's initial comments were taken into account and two quick designs roughs were created for the side yard area.  If you only looked at the side yard area in Post 1 and considered the two designs, you would likely choose the one that meets the design style you prefer.  However, in this post, we also consider the style of the existing home that this side yard belongs to.

Side Yard Designs Considered with Home Design

Please visit us again tomorrow for the final post in this three-part design series.