Visit two gardens never before seen on a HIPS tour.  This is a great opportunity to visit two gardens in Hilo town without the hassle of parking.  HIPS is arranging convenient parking and shuttles between the gardens.  These gardens will set your heart racing and fill you with inspiration for your next garden project. 

Karl and Sandi Mendonca’s Paradise on the Wailuku River

HIPS Vice President Karl Mendonca and his wife Sandi put their first palms in the ground 15 years ago and though they have about 150 species of palms, their 1.3 acre garden reflects their broader interests in orchids, spices, anthurium, water gardens, koi, and bonsai.  

There is so much to see and the garden vibe so welcoming and relaxing, you might never want to leave. 

Part of a late 1800s plantation garden located along the Wailuku River, the setting of this garden is spectacular.  

Jason Dunn's Species Rich Garden 

If you wondered where all Bill Austin’s palms went a few years back, they are planted here.  It’s not possible to use all the superlatives that this ½ acre garden deserves in this brief description.  Jason’s photographic account on Palm Talk illustrating the nearly 7 year journey from overgrown town lot to the garden today will make you cheer at the audacity of the venture, and gasp at the beauty of some of the best looking big boy palms in any garden. (They are at the perfect height for admiring).  We can’t wait to see it in person.  Treat yourself to a great garden creation story by reading Jason’s Palm Talk post.