Shangri-La Hawai`i Style

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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.

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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.

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ENTRY PAVILLION

Steps from his entry patio lead into other mysteries.

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STONE STEPS

A variety of colors and textures dominate the entire entry area.

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COLORS AND TEXTURES IN PATIO

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MORE OF ENTRY PATIO

Here is a broader view of what you can expect as you first walk into his property.

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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.

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JAPANESE BRIDGE

Orchids are tucked into all sorts of out-of-the-way spots to help soften the lava. Madam Pele would be proud!

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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!

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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.

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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.

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JADE VINE PETAL

The donkey tails hanging around the pond were the longest I’ve ever seen and were almost surreal.

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MORE POND PARADISE

The one in the foreground isn’t nearly as long as the one you can see across the pond.

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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.

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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.

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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.

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VEGETABLE GARDEN