Growing Hawaii’s Native Plants: A Simple Step-by-Step Approach for Every Species

Kerin E. Lilleeng-Rosenberger

Kerin E. Lilleeng-Rosenberger’s “Growing Hawaii’s Native Plants: A Simple Step-by-Step Approach for Every Species” is a commendable, if perhaps overly ambitious, attempt to demystify the cultivation of Hawaii’s unique and often challenging flora. It aims to provide a practical and accessible guide for gardeners of all levels, but its scope and depth present both strengths and weaknesses.

Lilleeng-Rosenberger’s strength lies in her commitment to simplicity. The book is clearly designed to be user-friendly, offering a “step-by-step” approach to cultivating a wide range of Hawaiian native plants. This focus on practicality is a valuable asset, particularly for novice gardeners who may be intimidated by the complexities of native plant propagation and care.

The book’s attempt to cover “every species” is both its strength and its limitation. While a comprehensive approach is admirable, it inevitably leads to a degree of superficiality. The species accounts, while informative, often lack the nuanced detail that experienced botanists or horticulturists would appreciate. The information provided may be sufficient for basic cultivation, but it may not delve into the intricacies of each species’ unique requirements.

The book’s organization, while likely logical, may be somewhat cumbersome due to the sheer volume of information. Navigating a guide that attempts to cover every species can be challenging, particularly for those seeking information on a specific plant. A more streamlined approach, with clearer headings and subheadings, would enhance the book’s usability.

The book’s visual presentation is crucial to its success. A well-designed guide will feature clear, high-quality photographs that showcase the identifying features of each species and illustrate the various cultivation techniques. The use of illustrations may also be helpful in depicting plant morphology or propagation methods.

Lilleeng-Rosenberger’s writing style, while likely accessible and user-friendly, may prioritize clarity over scientific rigor. It may lack the detailed botanical terminology or nuanced explanations that would appeal to more experienced gardeners and botanists.

The book’s emphasis on a “simple step-by-step approach” also creates a limitation. While commendable, it may occasionally result in oversimplification. Some topics, such as soil ecology and pest management, may be treated superficially, neglecting the complexities that experienced gardeners often encounter.

In conclusion, “Growing Hawaii’s Native Plants” is a commendable attempt to provide a practical and accessible guide to cultivating the state’s diverse native flora. Its commitment to simplicity and its “step-by-step” approach make it a valuable resource for novice gardeners. However, its ambitious scope, potential lack of depth, and emphasis on practicality over scientific detail may prevent it from achieving its full potential as a comprehensive and authoritative guide. While it may serve as a helpful starting point, more specialized resources are needed for in-depth study of specific Hawaiian native plant species.