Shangri-La Hawai`i Style

click here for larger image PARADISE POND What a delight to find this garden in the middle of a lava field! Anything I could say about this Hawaiian Shangri-La would be superfluous. In fact, there was so much to see here that I will divide Bob Elhard’s work of art into two posts. Today I will concentrate on the floral and landscape. Next week, I will focus on his yard sculptures. click here for larger image ENTRY PATIO The entry into this piece of paradise would have been enough for me, but it just kept going. Here he created a place to relax with a cup of coffee, to greet friends, and admire the growth around him. click here for larger image ENTRY PAVILLION Steps from his entry patio lead into other mysteries. click here for larger image STONE STEPS A variety of colors and textures dominate the entire entry area. click here for larger image COLORS AND TEXTURES IN PATIO click here for larger image MORE OF ENTRY PATIO Here is a broader view of what you can expect as you first walk into his property. click here for larger image BROAD VIEW OF ENTRY Because I have traveled in Japan so many times, Bob’s use of the typical red Japanese bridges was intriguing. He has built several throughout his property to lead you on to more corners and vistas. click here for larger image JAPANESE BRIDGE Orchids are tucked into all sorts of out-of-the-way spots to help soften the lava. Madam Pele would be proud! click here for larger image ORCHIDS click here for larger image ORCHIDS click here for larger image ORCHIDS click here for larger image ORCHIDS click here for larger image ORCHIDS This is a lovely example of a plant I’m trying to nurture in my own yard. Mine are small and haven’t flowered yet, but I can hardly wait! click here for larger image DATURA It would be difficult for me to say which was my favorite spot in Bob’s garden, but I think I’d have to say it’s this back yard retreat. The opening photo gives another view. Here is still another of the beautiful bridges. click here for larger image POND PARADISE One of the petals from the jade vine hanging over the pond had dropped into the water at my feet, reminding me of similar simple scenes in Japan. click here for larger image JADE VINE PETAL The donkey tails hanging around the pond were the longest I’ve ever seen and were almost surreal. click here for larger image MORE POND PARADISE The one in the foreground isn’t nearly as long as the one you can see across the pond. click here for larger image DONKEY TAILS We live in an area that struggles for every drop of water. Even so, Bob has managed to create a luxurious effect with the water he gathers. He has arranged his water lines in such a way that even the rain running off the driveway is utilized to fill his pond and other water features, like this waterfall. click here for larger image WATERFALL Walking from one garden area to another, we passed through a glassed in porch. I couldn’t resist taking a shot of this gorgeous Christmas cactus. click here for larger image CHRISTMAS CACTUS A different kind of beauty was found in Bob’s veggie garden. And of course, another Japanese bridge! You can see his chicken coop in the background, but I’ve decided to do a separate post soon on the wonderful array of chicken coops my friends have. You’ll get a closer view of Bob’s great coops then. click here for larger image VEGETABLE GARDEN We were all invited to pull up some of his veggies to take home. Here is a shot of what I pulled up to bring home! click here for larger image BIG CARROTS Here we are! The clubbers are all picking veggies. click here for larger image GARDEN CLUB MEMBERS I absolutely adore looking into workshops where the nitty gritty takes place! click here for larger image WORKSHOP Next Sunday, the Lava Lily post will show all the ways Bob has used odd pieces of wood and stone to create yard sculptures. A hui ho!

Tagged as: Angel’s Trumpet FLOWERING PLANTS GARDEN WORK GARDENING Garden Club LANDSCAPING Local Gardens Orchids VEGETABLES