If God were designing the Garden of Eden today, surely He would consider a lush tropical place with jagged green mountains, swaying coconut palms and fresh air subtly scented with the perfume of exotic flowers. This is Hawai‘i, a place that to many symbolizes the essence of the tropics. This beautiful coffeetable book by David Leaser pays homage to Hawai‘i’s botanical gardens and the lush foliage found within them. With historical notes and interesting tidbits, each major garden in Hawai‘i comes to life, brimming with the likes of plumeria, banyans orchids, protea, and more. Highlighted are pioneers such as Mary Foster, who solicited the help of botanist Harold Lyon to restore the Foster Botanical Garden, as well as others who developed their own botanical gardens, many for private use. Today, the Islands hold a treasure trove of magnificent gardens, each with a unique theme. From Kauai’s Allerton Garden, famously depicted in Jurassic Park, to the Big Island’s Hawai‘i Tropical Botanical Garden, each contributes to the beauty of the Islands and offers visitors a glimpse of the tropical wonders from around the globe.

Author: David Leaser