An Estate in Papaikou

On a visit to a gorgeous estate in Papaiko with the Hawaii Island Palm Society. We are walking through an old Hawaiian estate with an extensive palm collection along with other beautiful flora.


The main gate is impressive with large bronze bamboo like stems curving in many directions and sweeping around large lava rock pillars which secure an entry gate for walking through.







After passing through the gate, we are facing a beautiful moss covered lava rock wall graced by this Ganesh with interesting purple leaved elder.







The main driveway is quite grand and dotted with beautiful statuary, pots and mature palms along with these stands of variegated miniature ficus trees.






Tall palms line the driveway accented with red ti and mondo grass.









I love seeing this vignette with the moss covered lava rocks and mondo grass next
to this variegated ficus.






A bigger view of the expansive driveway.






Large chinese pots are used for a water garden filled with water lillies and bromeliads
surrounding the pot below.








Towards the end of the driveway from the house, two huge urns grace another rock wall with tree ferns adding tall lacy details from their fronds.










Facing the main home is this balinese inspired entry to the interior garden with orchids
attached to the intricate stonework.









A beautiful sitting area for meditation or conversation, it was a perfect spot for the group
to picnic with the food served in the large pavilion next door.






A cycad detail with its huge cone prominent and projecting a sharp, textured pineapple like top.
 





A beautiful and deadly detailed shot of an unusual palm.







There are orchids growing everywhere along the various palms on the property, they
are pretty effortless growing in these environments.
















The interior garden with covered pergolas leading to the main house.







I’m fond of these obake type anthuriums, there’s a whole collection growing along the interior garden facing the main home. Each flower is large, at over a foot and a half in length.






Walking through this densely planted area of palms, we happen onto this rare palm Johannesteijsmannia Altifrons from Borneo. You can see from the scale, the leaves are huge!






I spot a small stand of birds of paradise, I’m always fond of taking pictures of the colors
and shapes from these beautiful flowers.






A stairway leading down to the lower gardens with Licuala Grandis providing shade along the pathways.







We finally make it to the large grassy area in the lower garden, filled with fruit trees like abiu, mountain apples, mangosteen and lychee.







A detail shot of pods developing on this palm, I love all the texture on the pods.

 

This place is a truly magical botanical garden  filled with amazing plants. I’m glad I had a chance to visit with the palm society and take some wonderful photos.


Thanks for taking the tour with me, to visit other gardens for bloom day today go to http://www.maydreamsgardens.com

May Day is Lei Day in Hawaii

 

Wearing or making leis today is special as the first day in May is our lei day and lei celebrations happen throughout the islands.

 

There are so many different types of leis from very simple strands to very elaborate displays.

 

Of course, the scented leis like the plumerias below just add to the special feeling and smell of wearing one of these beautiful leis today.

 

 

Orchid leis below are made with many flowers and are colorful and dramatic to wear.

 

Its fun to have events and tokens to celebrate days like Lei Day in Hawaii. Have a great May lei day!

I’m sharing this on fertilizer Fridays, to see more inspiring gardens today go visit http://www.tootsietime.com/

Just to Die For

Yes, I’m sure you’ve felt exactly that way seeing something just so exquisite and made with so much care and workmanship.

That’s exactly how I feel visiting the Hillwood estate and museum, really a private home that is so lovingly preserved and well cared for and the scale of the place is just so right. I felt like I was invited to visit a magical and private world only a few can enjoy.
This special place that Marjorie Post endowed to the public is one of those places just to die for…I mean how many homes have a private dacha, a Japanese garden, a rose parterre, a formal water garden all wrapped up into a beautiful place for everyone to enjoy, now we can do just that – thank you Marjorie for your gift.


Lets start our tour at the front entry just like Marjorie, who would greet her guests, along with Hermes. He graces the boxed and parterre linked lawn shaped into hearts all pointing the god of love.

 



Just off to the right side is the formal parterre and water garden, I love all the attention to detail, the perfect symmetry, and the red edge begonias for a hint of color, something that works just so well in this type of home….sometimes when you expect to see something and you actually get it, its like getting your choice of favorite ice cream flavors and enjoying every moment, yum!

 


Don’t you just love her gaze?

 



The central water feature with these whimsical cherubs riding on spirited dolphins steal the show and add sweet sounds to this enclosed room.






 




Beauty and inspiring statuary graciously sit in the garden as if they command to be placed in just the right spot for all to admire.







Further down a shaded walkway with mature trees you finally see a clearing with a tall centerpiece surrounded by a heavenly scented rose garden and rounded pergola.













This is Marjory’s favorite spot and the centerpiece is actually her gravestone. I couldn’t think of a better place to enjoy eternity enjoying one’s roses.






The estate is filled with many large lawn areas with vistas to distant views and mature tree lines. Immediate details include many annuals, statuary and potted features with begonias and impatiens.





This pagoda marks the entrance to the Japanese garden which is a series of stepped gardens that have many vistas  and unique plantings like maples and ornamentals that typify this aesthetic. There are many pathways leading to beautifully landscaped areas, lily ponds and water features that are a delight to walk through.






























As we walk through the cutting beds, you notice how well cared the beds are by dozens of volunteers that meticulously care for the gardens and the flowers that grace the interiors of the home. You can see the large conservatory in the background which I made an earlier post on the exotics that were grown inside.





Here’s a back view of the the home with this gorgeous Medinilla Magnifica on the Veranda. The exquisite interior houses her treasures of fine French and Russian collections from her extensive travels and eye for beautiful objects.







Even though one is not allowed to take pictures of the museum pieces indoors.  The photo below shows one of her prized water fountains done in gold leaf and is on the side wall of the home, the only treasure I was able to photograph along with the gardens.






One last photo of Diana, which graces the water garden at the back end of the green wall and makes a focal point to the garden. The red begonias line the entire wall like red accents and add a little color to this mostly green room.



Isn’t this place just so well done, I’ve really enjoyed my visit here and I hope that you also enjoyed the tour. You’ll just have to visit Hillwood to see the interiors of the home and the treasures, but for me the gardens are the real treasures.

Please come and visit other gardens this Friday at http://www.tootsietime.com/