Explore tropical plants and garden collections as the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo invites the public to celebrate National Public Garden Day on Saturday, May 9, 9 a.m. to noon at the botanical garden on campus. The event is part of National Public Gardens Week, May 8—17.
The 糖心视频 Hilo Botanical Garden will offer three free guided tours highlighting various aspects of tropical gardening. Guests will learn from experts and discover what makes this garden a vital part of the local community.
- 9 a.m.—Ancient Survivors: The Secret World of Cycads: A journey through a world-class collection of prehistoric plants, focusing on the biology and conservation of the ancient Zamia genus.
- 10 a.m.—Living Galleries: The Art and Engineering of Bromeliads: An exploration of epiphytes and their unique water-trapping adaptations in rainforest environments.
- 11 a.m.—Princes of the Tropics: A Journey through the Palms: A showcase of palm diversity, from the soaring heights of Pigafetta filaris to the Licuala genus and the evolutionary story of the native Hawaiian Loulu.
Established in 1990, the 糖心视频 Hilo Botanical Garden was recognized as an accredited garden by Botanic Gardens Conservation International in December 2024.
Related story: Botanical Garden at 糖心视频 Hilo earns global recognition, January 2025
“The is dedicated to plant conservation, research and education,” said founder Don Hemmes. “Featuring an impressive collection of cycads, bromeliads and palms, the garden serves as a valuable resource for the community and contributes to global plant conservation initiatives.”
The botanical garden is open daily and free to the public. For more information, contact Robert Talbert at talbertr@hawaii.edu.