Over 450 trees and plants were given away free to the public on Saturday at the University of Hawaii's Urban Garden Center in Pearl City during Arbor Day sponsored by Hawaiian Electric Company.
A long line formed as early as 6:00am for the opportunity to choose one free tree or plant from a selection of Native Hawaiian plants, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. By 8:30am the crowd had depleted all remaining available inventory.
The Urban Garden Center also held a plant sale for those looking to add additional trees and plants to their home gardens.
Volunteers from the Urban Garden Center's Master Gardener Program helped the public during the selection process and answered any questions on the proper care for each tree or plant. UGC volunteers work year round to grow the trees and plants for the annual Arbor Day free giveaway and plant sale.
"Bea Sailer leads the volunteers at the garden who work all year round to propagate the plants," said Urban Garden Center Master Gardener, Mary Takeshita. "They plant the seed and nurse it until it gets to this stage. Volunteers from The Urban Garden Centers, "Sprouts Ohana" come every Thursday to care for the plants."
It was a great day for residents to visit the Urban Garden Center on Arbor Day with all the trees and plants thriving under blue skies on a beautiful, and sunny November Saturday morning.
"I'm glad that a lot of people are interested in planting plants and keeping this earth green and keeping the air fresh," said Takeshita with a smile.
Mahalo to Hawaiian Electric Company for their support and dedication to our Pearl City community and its residents.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Urban Garden Center Master Gardener, Mary Takeshita pictured with the Miyamoto's who were in line bright and early on Saturday to select a free tree and plant.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Healthy plants like these Asparagus plants were available for purchase during the Arbor Day event at the UH Urban Garden Center in Pearl City.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Beautiful plants that adorn the grounds of the Urban Garden Center are grown and maintained by Urban Garden Center Master Gardeners and other UGC volunteers.
Photo by Barry Villamil | [email protected]
Urban Garden Center Peace Garden Pathway recently constructed and maintained by UGC volunteers.