June 3, 2007
Trouble in paradise
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My plumeria is in full, riotous bloom right now. All of those buds tell me the blooming will continue in full force for a while.
I know that some of my gardening friends are a teensy bit jealous of my year-round growing season and the lovely tropicals that seem to grow here in Hawaii with such ease. There’s certainly much here that others may envy. Keep in mind, though, that the delightful environment that makes my garden grow also favors other life forms. Despite my career path, I know next to nothing about plant pests. I believe this is whitefly. It’s concentrated on the blossom clusters at the end of the lower branches (perhaps because they are in constant shade?) The tree needed pruning anyway, so Saturday afternoon I cut off all of those lower limbs that were blocking the path. Today I’ll haul out the ladder and get a better look at the higher branches, but they look fine from ground level.
My new lawn has been in a couple of weeks. The small squares of sod are beginning to spread and need to be clipped.
I sprinkled a little Scott’s Turf Builder around the lawn a few days after we laid the sod. It’s formulated for Hawaii, but I think the sun was too intense for it and that that is what caused the brown spots. They don’t seem to be spreading anymore. I’ll take some patches of sod from healthy areas to fill in if I don’t see any new damage over the next week.
I’ve killed anthurium before. This little shady corner rock garden seems to be just the right environment for them to stay healthy and happy. I planted the red one the same day we laid the sod, and the pink one and the fern in the rear a week or two before.
The feathery fern in front of the anthurium and at the lower right of the photo above is wild. I cut it back a few weeks ago, but it’s growing out of control again already. The tendrils it throws out are already starting to wrap the pikake again. I need to move some of the rocks and dig out all of the roots so I can be rid of it for good.
So you see, my little corner of paradise is not perfect. Don’t you feel better now? 
[tags]anthurium, ferns, gardening, grass, Hawaii, lawn, photos, pikake, plumeria[/tags]
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June 3rd, 2007 at 3:14 am, Acey Says:
oh plumeria is one of my favorites!
June 3rd, 2007 at 9:01 am, gardenmomma (Chris) Says:
No, I don’t feel better!!
Get rid of those puppies so you can keep enjoying your wonderful plumeria. I’m guessing you can all kind of pests since you don’t have a good killing freeze. Your previous post about those termites gave me the heebie jeebies!! Have a great week!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:03 am, Whim Says:
It may not be perfect but it sure is beautiful! Great pics!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:39 am, MIKE B Says:
looking at all your photos is very inspiring.
You can see some of my work at these websites…
regards from a felow photographer!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:15 pm, skeet Says:
Plumeria really are lovely, Acey, and the fragrance is wonderful despite my allergies.
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:29 pm, skeet Says:
Yes, Chris, the insects here thrive year-round in the tropical climate. I try to avoid pesticides, so the yard pests can get out of control pretty quickly when I neglect my duties. Hope you have a grand week, to!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:33 pm, skeet Says:
Aloha Mike. Mahalo for visiting my blog. I enjoyed your photos, too. I’ve left your name/link in your comment so others can visit if they’d like, but I removed the rather spammy list of links you included. Play nice, now! If you’d like me to do some advertising for you on my blog, just click the Payperpost Direct badge & we’ll get you set up!
June 3rd, 2007 at 11:34 pm, skeet Says:
Mahalo my whimsical friend!
June 4th, 2007 at 3:37 am, starnitesky Says:
Enjoyed reading your blog, Plumeria looks like a lovely plant. Keep going with the lawn!
June 4th, 2007 at 10:38 am, Chigiy Says:
I’m jealous. I can just smell that plumeria:)
June 4th, 2007 at 8:53 pm, Sisah Says:
Yes, I am jealous of you, especially of your lovely plumeria, which is not possible to grow here in zone 7,but white flies and other pests do feel at home here!
Thanks for your comments on my posting concerning Baden-Baden.
June 5th, 2007 at 10:44 am, skeet Says:
I’m not giving up on the lawn, starnitesky! I’m determined to make it work this time!
June 5th, 2007 at 10:45 am, skeet Says:
The fragrance of plumeria really is lovely, chigiy, even if it does make my eyes itch and my nose get all runny. Fair trade-off for getting to live in paradise, I guess!
June 5th, 2007 at 10:47 am, skeet Says:
See, I just knew some of you were jealous, lol! Funny how white flies seem at home everywhere, though, isn’t it? Love you blog, Sisah! I’ll be back!