As one of Â鶹´«Ã½’s most iconic and cherished flowers, the plumeria took center stage at a recent hands-on learning event hosted by the University of Â鶹´«Ã½ at Mānoa¡¯s (CTAHR). The Plumeria Field Day event welcomed more than 100 community members in Waimānalo.
CTAHR extension agent Alberto Ricordi, master gardeners, and Hele Imua interns from the State of Â鶹´«Ã½ gave hands-on training on how to properly care for existing plumeria, root new cuttings and maintain tree health, continuing the generations-long local tradition of sharing plumeria.
“It also supports Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s biosecurity by promoting local production, reducing the need to import,” said Ricordi.
Personal instruction
People took home more than 1,000 cuttings from more than 300 trees, ranging from classic yellow and white plumeria blossoms to vibrant pink and orange colors. For many, the in-person instruction was key.
“I have watched YouTube videos but the hands-on activity is the most helpful. And most online videos are from the mainland so they are not geared to help people in Â鶹´«Ã½¡¯s unique climate,” said attendee Aloha Oh, who picked up cuttings from several plumeria varieties.
The event was also a teaching moment for young people. Veronika Villalobos, an environmental leader with , brought students who are making their own garden plots with the nonprofit.
“We wanted our students to get more opportunities within the natural resources pathways. We hope that bringing them to events like this will get more connected with nature, as well as the community,” said Villalobos.
The day¡¯s learning wrapped up with a “bring your own dish” potluck lunch and talk story, fostering connection and community exchange. It marked the start of CTAHR’s initiative to conduct more community engagement opportunities at Waimānalo CTAHR Agricultural Research and Extension Stations (CARES) Center.