March 4, 2020
Contact: Sheri Mikami
Telephone: 748-5315
FREE XERIC SEED FOR MARCH 2020
AT THE HALAWA XERISCAPE GARDEN
Complimentary seeds are available for pick up on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
HONOLULU—Using Xeric plants, aka drought tolerant or hardy plants, in your landscape is not just a water wise decision it’s part of a responsible solution to help reduce outdoor water consumption. To help you on your journey to create a drought tolerant landscape, each month the Honolulu Board of Water Supply (BWS) and the Friends of Halawa Xeriscape Garden (FOHXG) are pleased to offer visitors to the garden a free Xeric seed or seedling.
A new seed or seedling will be unveiled on the first Wednesday of each month. To find out what’s being featured, please visit Facebook at www.facebook.com/BWSHXG, Twitter at @BWSHonolulu and www.boardofwatersupply.com. If you don’t have access to a computer or social media and need more information, you may call Halawa Xeriscape Garden at 808-748-5315. To receive your complimentary seed packet and information sheet about your future plant’s origin, care, and interesting facts you may visit the garden at 99-1268 Iwaena Street, Aiea HI 96701, on Wednesdays and Saturdays between the hours of 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m.
The month of March features the Yellow African Iris cutting. This plant looks amazing as ground cover, in a potted container or in a rock or woodland garden. Mass plantings of Yellow African Iris will instantly turn a drab tucked away corner of the yard in to a landscape showpiece that is also low maintenance and drought tolerant. Visitors receive one cutting per household, while supplies last.
The BWS and the FOHXG services the community with conservation workshops, garden tours, volunteer opportunities and a fabulous annual plant sale! Native Hawaiian and drought-tolerant plants have been featured at the Xeriscape Garden since September 1989. Xeriscaping consists of 7 simple principles that promote water conservation through planning and design, efficient irrigation, minimal turf usage, soil improvements, wise plant selection, appropriate mulching and good maintenance. A Xeric landscape takes advantage of the natural environment, saves water, time and money for Oahu’s homeowners. For more information on how you can take that first step in your xeric landscape journey, please visit, http://www.boardofwatersupply.com/conservation/xeriscape, or call Halawa Garden at 808-748-5315.
SEED OF THE MONTH:
Common Name: Yellow African Iris, Fortnight Lily
Scientific Name: Dietes bicolor
Family: Iridaceae
Genus: Dietes
Species: D. bicolor
Height: 2’-3’
Spacing: 2’-3’
Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial shade
Bloom Color: Pale Yellow with dark brown tepal blotches. Tepals have dark markings that are outlined in orange
Bloom Time: blooms continuously throughout the year; strongest flowering will occur in spring and again in summer.
Other Details: Native to South Africa, this plant looks amazing as groundcover, in a potted container, or in a rock or woodland garden. It has grass-like features and dainty flowers that allow it to stand on its own in any garden. Plus, it is low maintenance which is a plus for any busy gardener.
Soil Requirements: good drainage, no special requirements, poor salt tolerance.
Water Requirements: Drought tolerant when established, water once a week.
Propagation Methods: Start new plantings by dividing older clumps or collecting and sowing seeds. Place woody rhizomes 12” apart, 1 per sq. ft. and bury to a depth of 1”.
Known Uses: Perfect in masses under larger trees or as a landscape plant you want to draw attention to. Mass plantings of African Iris will instantly turn a drab tucked away corner of the yard into a landscape showpiece.