Organic Hawaiian Flower Power

Cut flowers and blooming plants are year-round gifts from nature in Hawaii. Our many altitudes and climate zones provide a magnificent range of choices. Varieties of anthuriums, heliconias, gingers, bird of paradise, protea and orchids grow in abundance. We are blessed with flower farm producers who are, after all, are the stewards of our land.

What is interesting is whether Big Island flower farmers are embracing the organic movement or not. And if so, how are they going about it?

There's an abundance of certified organic produce suppliers, but flowers farmers are subject to different verification processes. That seems to be reason why my searches for certified organic flower farmers in Hawaii is with pretty nil results, ‒ going on four years now.

Well, the organic-green movement continues to grow, and in the Ka`ohe rain forest of Big Island, the Reppun family farmers of Flowers from Hawaii use no herbicides or pesticides on their anthuriums. Their sustainable farming methods comply with the Hawai`i Organic Farm Association (HOFA) regulations. Pictured are some beautiful examples.

Also know that botanist Nyree Parisi grows anthuriums on her organic farm, Aina Nui. You can find her beauties in organic-conscious stores, such as Down to Earth in Hilo. Nyree grows them on 42 pristine acres in Pahoa. Amongst red, orange, pink, and multi-hued blooms, she offers the rare choice of white that is preferred for weddings. Read more about organic flower production and Nyree on NaturalNews.com. Note her recommendation to add chamomile tea or a drop of Rescue Remedy to water for longer-lasting results.

Read more on Honolulu Examiner

Author Delia Montgomery is a Puna District resident and environmental design consultant. Also a green broker for home, body and garden products with a sustainable living Amazon bookstore. Questions or comments are welcome.