URGENT UPDATE: As the festive season approaches, residents of Hawaii are embracing a unique way to celebrate Christmas by giving living plant gifts. With only less than three weeks until Christmas and Hanukkah starting on December 14, the call for meaningful and sustainable gift options is becoming increasingly relevant.
This holiday season, consider filling your home and lanai with vibrant plants like poinsettias, hibiscus, and orchids. Local nurseries in Hawaii are stocked with a variety of potted plants that not only beautify your space but also serve as heartfelt gifts for loved ones. The trend of gifting living plants is gaining traction as people seek alternatives to traditional, often commercial, holiday presents.
Norman Bezona, a horticulture expert from the University of Hawaii College of Tropical Agriculture and Human Resources, emphasizes the importance of giving plants as gifts this season. “Christmas is a time of birth, of life and hope. A living gift symbolizes this spirit,” Bezona stated.
As Christmas approaches, the days in Hawaii will begin to lengthen, signaling a time of renewal and growth. The recent precipitation across East and West Hawaii has further invigorated local flora, making it the perfect moment to appreciate and share the beauty of nature.
Explore various options when selecting plants for gifts. The common Chinese hibiscus, known for its striking red flowers, and the elegant gardenia with its fragrant white blooms are popular choices. Additionally, the bright red jatropha tree makes an ornamental addition to any garden and thrives well in a pot.
For those seeking unique gifts, consider the Norfolk Island pine, which can serve as a living Christmas tree. It can be planted outdoors after the holidays or kept in a pot for years to come. The false aralia and rare palms like the latania palm and bismarckia nobilis also make for extraordinary gifts.
This year, as many gather to celebrate, the emphasis on sustainable and thoughtful gifting is paramount. With the background of commercialism often associated with the holiday season, Bezona encourages everyone to focus on the essence of aloha and the spirit of giving. “Gifts given with a loving heart are what truly matter,” he remarked.
As the holiday season unfolds, remember to reflect on the blessings of life, love, and community. The act of sharing living gifts not only enhances your holiday spirit but also connects you with the enduring cycle of nature.
With the holidays just around the corner, be sure to visit local nurseries and garden shops to find the perfect living gifts for your family and friends. Celebrate with plants that embody the joy and hope of the season.
Stay tuned for more updates as we approach Christmas and Kwanzaa, and remember to cherish every moment spent with loved ones. Mele Kalikimaka e hauoli makahiki hou!
