Lili`uokalani Joins Public Gardens Celebration

National Public Gardens Day is being celebrated in Hawaii County today by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

Mayor Billy Kenoi issued a proclamation (see below) noting Hawaii County’s participation in the May 9 event and highlighting the “important role botanical gardens … play in promoting environmental stewardship, plant and water conservation, the preservation of green spaces home gardening and education.”

Lili`uokalani Gardens is participating in the national event for the first time with clean-up and painting activities and tours organized by Friends of Lili`uokalani Gardens.

From 8 a.m. to noon, members of the public are invited to bring a rake and join in a few light garden chores or take a special tour or help circulate a park users survey, said Friends spokeswoman KT Eger. “Whatever you are able to do will be most appreciated, and many thanks to Ace Hardware in Keaau for helping to sponsor this event.”

Public gardens on Hawaii Island include Panaewa Rainforest Zoo, Lili`uokalani Gardens, Hawaii Tropical Botanical Garden in Onomea, and Amy B.H. Greenwell Ethnobotanical Garden in Captain Cook, the mayor’s proclamation said.