Members of this growing green organization understand the meaning of environmental stewardship.While growing or going “green” may be the latest trend, it is also a ha-rkening back to proven, traditional methods of working with nature instead of against it. Most folks who like to garden have discovered that many “green gardening” methods aren’t new tricks that require rushing out to the electronics store to buy the latest gadget. They’re decidedly low-tech traditions that require some thought and consideration of how nature works. The nicest thing about the Earth-conscious gardening movement is that it really is simple, inexpensive and effective.
The Maui Garden Club is one of the organizations that teaches “malama ‘aina,” or “cherishing and taking care of the land.” The objective of the club is “to encourage interest in all phases of gardening by producing opportunities to learn from one another and through educational programs.” Members meet on the second Saturday of every month and enjoy field trips and sharing educational gardening information.
“Growing greener is a heartfelt and healing experience,” said Andrea Binkley, former president of the club. “The beauty of gardening even one plant is that you are nurturing it, you are touching the environment. You might even eat what you grow. You become part of something that is living. You are involved in the whole process, from watching the amount of sun received to the amount of water taken in. We need to understand both the meaning of environmental stewardship and our role as stewards.”
When Binkley first came to Maui, she was very ill. Her sister taught her about plant life in Hawai‘i, how to grow a garden and the language of gardening. She learned quickly. She found that her love of the land was healing her physically as well as spiritually. Before long, she became president of the Maui Garden Club and president of the Hawai‘i Federation of Garden Clubs
While speaking with Evey Culbert, also a Garden Club member, you get the feeling that she is in harmony with what this “green-thing” is all about. “Look at this. Isn’t it remarkable?” she asked, while walk-ing past each plant, tree, fruit and vegetable growing on her Upcountry land. “Helping to sustain the great gift already bestowed upon us is our responsibility,” she said.
Gary Mohrlang of Islandscapes LLC has specialized in xeriscaping in Hawai‘i for over 30 years. Xeriscaping is designing landscapes to avoid losing water to evaporation and run-off. Some of the “green” principles of xeriscaping include water-wise planning and design, drought-tolerant plants, efficient irrigation equipment and design, mulch and soil amendments, and proper maintenance practices.
“Growing greener is about love—a coming together with the environment to make things right,” said Mohr-lang. His love has recently been rewarded with the entry of one of his Maui landscapes in Sunset Magazine’s Dream Garden Contest.
Upcountry resident Ruth Hegele has been a member of the Outdoor Circle for over 20 years. This Maui group is dedicated to keeping our island clean, green and beautiful. They discuss issues about green gardening and work on solutions for important community issues. Five of their goals describe their mission: Eliminate billboard signs throughout the state; advocate for the maintenance, protection and enhancement of trees and landscaping; preserve, protect and promote green space; educate people to value the visual environment and to create, protect and respect places of beauty; and create a plan to put utility lines underground.
Words such as “greening” and “sustainability” have gone beyond mere buzzwords to become front-burner concerns. A large groundswell of support and interest in the environment reflects mounting concerns in society at large. Sustainable living is becoming a moral obligation and responsibility.
There are many organizations and much information available on Maui to help you begin your “consciously green garden.” While learning about water-thrifty plants and water-wise gardening tips, you may tune into “growing greener” with the environment in heart and mind, because the ‘aina is precious and must be handled with the utmost care.