Category / Cora’s Garden

by princesshotflash

It’s been a while

I know it’s been a while. Life got complicated. I tried to write a post several times, but it didn’t feel right. I’m feeling better now and wanted to let you know I’m okay. I am working on learning how to deal with complications better.

Besides life’s complications, the weather has been wet, and last night’s storm was a whopper. It’s interfering with going hiking. It is genuinely mud hiking season. Remember last year’s mud hike.

A little muddy, Poamoho April 2022

But with rain comes beautiful blooms in Cora’s garden.

Top row, left to right: my pakalana is coming back; now there are clusters of flowers amongst the vines; the air plant has a reddish glow with orange-red blooms; the pakalana has a seed pod; pink and white bougainvillea from a plant that I trimmed back hard this winter.

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by princesshotflash

From Cora’s Garden: Pikake

Pikake blooms on the new growth

Cora’s pikake is in bloom. Pikake, also known as jasmine, is a drought-resistant plant that grows better in hotter weather. Waipahu is a perfect place for it. This leggy plant shares a pot with gifted papaya from the birds.

Mom trimmed it about a month and a half ago, and it recently started blooming. She’s so proud that she told me to share it with you. This plant’s variety is the double-flowered rose pikake.

The bougainvillea are also blooming. I’ve trying to be more attentive to the ones in the front yard recently. They need trimming and weeding, and have been fighting a good fight this hot summer during water restriction. These are shots from a couple that I’ve been taking care of.

by princesshotflash

From Cora’s Garden: Recent Blooms

I’ve been a bit lazy about posting lately. There have been a few beautiful blooms that I thought I would share.

Lots of pinks

I’ve in charge of the general maintenance of the yard these days. Parents don’t spend much time out there because it’s a fall hazard. I’m feeling pretty proud of things blooming. There have been few fatalities along the way. And don’t ask about the grass. I’m trying my best, and at least it’s green.

by princesshotflash

Around Cora’s Garden: Pakalana

Pakalana is related to the milkweed plant, and it is also called Chinese Violet. It’s a woody vine with heart-shaped leaves. The flowers bloom in clusters of yellow-green flowers with a beautiful fragrance. Bees and ants love these blossoms. They bloom from April to September.

What I read about pakalana, it’s not the most beautiful vine, but the blooms and scent make up for that.

I added three pakalana plants to the old cucumber trellis this winter. Cucumbers have stopped growing well in this area, and it has been sitting empty. I’m keeping my fingers crossed that they like their new home.

Only one of the plants of blooming. I hope the other two will come in later.

Pakalana is my favorite Lei. It is usually worn in several stands. And I’m trying to see if I can make on strand from what I’m getting this season. Mom said to pick the open blossoms, sprinkle them with water, and put them in the refrigerator till I have enough for a lei.

What I’ve gathered
by princesshotflash

Around Cora’s Garden: Phalaenopsis

After the morning watering

Mom’s collection of Phalaenopsis is made up of mostly plants from the distressed plant rack. They are doing great since their move back to the backyard, some many buds on each of the plants. Mom gave the orchids a freshening up, trimmed the bad stuff, and added new potting media. Plus the move must be making them happy.